"Getting Along": The Utilization of the Myers-Briggs Model in the Nuclear Medicine Department

Author Type(s)

Faculty

Document Type

Abstract

Publication Date

5-2021

Journal Title

Journal of Nuclear Medicine

Department

Radiology

Abstract

Objectives: The Myers-Briggs model is founded on Jung’s theory of psychological types, which claims that random differences in our behaviors are actually due to variations in individual perception and judgment. The Myers-Briggs model consists of 16 different personality types based on an individual’s preferences in each of four domains (table 1). All personality types are deemed to be equal; however, awareness of an individual’s preferences can shed light to interpersonal differences and enhance communication. The nuclear medicine department is unique, as it is forms the foundation for personalized medicine while utilizing a highly interdisciplinary approach. The development of FDG-PET has paved the way for targeted radionuclide therapy, especially in oncology, neurology, and cardiology. Utilization of the Myers-Briggs model allows for a better understanding of how individuals work and provides context for the type of environments in which they excel. It provides a framework for superior teamwork, improved productivity, and a higher level patient safety in nuclear medicine.

Methods: We discuss the incorporation of the Myers-Briggs inventory in the nuclear medicine department. At the start of the nuclear medicine training, each individual will complete the Myers-Briggs inventory. The results will be shared with the individuals and their team. The clinical coordinator will then adjust teaching styles and delegate roles based on an individual’s preferences in order to achieve better clinical outcomes and superior interdisciplinary care.

Results: The first domain highlights how an individual focuses energy. The extroverted individual might be more willing to discuss nuclear medicine scans with colleagues, interpreting images collaboratively; whereas the introvert might prefer to process an image on their own. Awareness of this preference can allow for groups of extroverts to work together and for introverts to work on their own, discussing results after they have used their own thought process. The second category explains how individuals organize facts. In the nuclear medicine department, it can be beneficial to have someone who uses their senses work with a person who uses their intuition. The contrast of just focusing on the information presented in the image with an individual who will add their own meaning to an image can ensure for a more accurate and holistic reading of a nuclear medicine scan. The third domain allows us to understand how one makes decisions. As nuclear medicine progresses towards a more inter-disciplinary approach, certain situations will require a more empathetic decision making, for instance in situations of oncology where radionuclide scans can be used to decrease tumor burden. In contrast, other situations might require a more logical approach of decision making, such as highly metastatic cancers where a more palliative approach is appropriate. Finally, the fourth category sheds light on how individuals respond to circumstances. Nuclear medicine can be a highly orderly field as patients schedule appointments and follow a specific timeline. However, emergent cases can also arise requiring certain specialists to be more flexible and open to spontaneity.

Conclusions: Nuclear medicine is a highly inter-disciplinary field and collaboration between colleagues is essential to facilitate efficacy. The Myers-Briggs model highlights each physician’s role in the department. While no personality type is superior to another, the variability in preferences allows for each individual to contribute a unique perspective and skill to the nuclear medicine team, enhancing our ability to provide superior patient care.

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