During the American College of Radiology (ACR) 2025 annual meeting, University of Wisconsin Department of Radiology resident John (Erik) Winterholler, MD submitted and defended the resolution “Ionizing Radiation Protective Apparel for Healthcare Workers.”
After two amendments from the medical physics caucus, the ACR accepted the resolution as policy, marking it as the first ACR policy from the department authored solely by residents to pass in many years. In addition, it was the only resolution authored by residents outside of elected resident leaders submitted to the ACR 2025 meeting.
The authors include Erik Winterholler, MD, Isha Pathak, MD, Elizabeth Stoeckl, MD, Erin Sullivan, MD, Zachary Hansen-Cole, MD, and Cullen Fleming, MD. Notably, the team features residents in each year of training from first to fourth-year residents.
Emphasizing the importance of well-fitting lead protective apparel for different body types, the full policy reads:
BE IT RESOLVED that the American College of Radiology encourages healthcare institutions to provide adequate fitting lead protective apparel and in adequate numbers for different body types. Where reasonably achievable, ancillary protective equipment need be available for those areas not covered by a standard lead apron.
In addition to this notable accomplishment, Jade Anderson, MD co-authored thirteen resolutions, of which eight were adopted and three referred.