The Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences formally welcomed its first-year diagnostic and interventional radiology residents during the fourth annual Thomas A. Powers Lead Ceremony on Friday.
Similar to a medical school’s white coat ceremony, the lead ceremony has become a tradition that marks the official start of radiology residency for trainees at Vanderbilt. Faculty, staff and fellow residents, as well as family, friends and the ceremony’s namesake, retired Vanderbilt Radiology faculty Dr. Thomas Powers, were in attendance.
During the ceremony, Radiology Residency Program Director Edwin Donnelly, M.D., Ph.D., individually introduced each of the 10 residents while Reed Omary, M.D., M.S., Carol D. and Henry P. Pendergrass Professor and Chair, presented them custom-fitted and designed lead to wear throughout their training.
“We’re really proud of our residents,” said Dr. Omary. “The lead ceremony represents their official induction into our global community of radiologists, and we look forward to watching them learn and grow while they’re with us.”
Upon starting residency, each resident chose a custom design for their lead, and were encouraged to chose one that best represents their personality. As would be expected from a talented and diverse group, this year’s designs varied from dark and brightly colored solids to stars, galaxy and camouflage.
“Each year when we unveil the lead it’s really fun to guess which resident chose what design,” said Dr. Donnelly. “You can’t spell ‘leader’ without ‘lead.’ Congratulations and welcome to our newest radiology residents, and future leaders in radiology!”
Drs. Reed Omary (left) and Edwin Donnelly (right) unveil the lead aprons for the first-year radiology residents
Radiology residents pictured with Drs. Edwin Donnelly, Reed Omary and Thomas Powers
