Future CAAs welcomed with White Coat Ceremony

The fresh new white coats were well worth the wait.

While students from the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.A.) Class of 2027 arrived and began coursework in early January, they had their “official” welcome to NEOMED and the health care professions at the White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 21. The date coincided with the conclusion of CAA Week, which recognizes the vital role that Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants play on the surgical team.

“Today we gather to recognize the hard work they have put in to reach this point and encourage them as they continue their journey to become the best possible anesthesiologist assistants for their patients,” said Nate Flath, CAA, director of the M.M.Sc.A. program (below, left).

Students then lined up and were presented with their crisp new white coats, that served as a reminder of their commitment to becoming health professionals and the many responsibilities that come with providing care for patients. Each new student had their white coat placed on them by two second-year M.M.Sc.A. students, Sean Kudler and Elizabeth Ploskunak, who received their white coats at this time a year ago.

The students were then met by boisterous applause by their family and friends in the audience, who jubilantly displayed their pride for the students who took a major step toward their upcoming career as CAAs.