M.M.Sc.A. program welcomes Class of 2028
After several weeks of learning the ropes during orientation and an introduction to the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.A.) program, it was time for the 23 new students of the Class of 2028 to officially be welcomed as future healthcare professionals. The most recent class from the M.M.Sc.A. program was honored with a White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 20, 2026, in the NEW Center Ballroom.
It was the fifth White Coat Ceremony for the program, which welcomed its first class in 2022. Program director Nate Flath remarked on the quick progress made since the launch of the program.
“It’s already year five? Wow!” exclaimed Flath. “Now we are seeing students become graduates, who then become preceptors and sponsors of the white coats given to these students today.”
Students also heard words of encouragement from keynote speaker Michael Finamore, D.O., a board-certified cardiothoracic anesthesiologist and chair of cardiothoracic anesthesia at Bel-Park Anesthesia Associates in Canfield, Ohio.
“Most things worth having require effort,” Dr. Finamore reminded the students. “Strength is built through resistance. Failure will come often. But if you take risks, stand up when it is hard, lift others, and refuse to quit, the world will be better because you were in it.”
The 23 students—the largest incoming class in the program’s history—were eager to receive their white coats, which were placed on them by second-year CAA students Iain Allingham and Ethan Huang.
Senior Vice President and Provost Forrest C. Faison III, M.D., Sc.(hon), FAAP, welcomed the students with an explanation of the importance of the white coat.
“The white coat represents hope for those who have lost hope,” said Dr. Faison. “It represents strength for those who may be in the darkest hours of their life. It represents compassion and caring for folks who may have lost those things.”
Following the ceremony and a quick class photo, the 23 new class members returned to the Ballroom atrium to celebrate with their families and loved ones in attendance as they showed off their crisp new white coats. It was a worthy celebration for the students for all that has been accomplished to get to this point, and the many milestones ahead in their journey to becoming a Certified Anesthesiologist Assistant.
