New class of M.M.Sc.A. students welcomed with White Coat Ceremony

The students in the 2026 class of the Master of Medical Science in Anesthesia (M.M.Sc.A.) were officially welcomed with a White Coat Ceremony on Friday, Feb. 23, in the NEW Center Ballroom. The 14 future anesthesiologist assistants each took a turn crossing the stage to have their fresh new white coats placed on them by Heran Dhimal and Yeline Cespedes, who are both in their second year of the M.M.Sc.A. program.

“This is our third year of the M.M.Sc.A. program and it is still a fascinating position to have a front row seat to see 14 complete strangers join together as one family unit committed to helping each other learn everything they can to all provide the best possible care for their future patients,” noted Nathaniel Flath, CAA, director of the M.M.Sc.A. program.

“That white coat represents hope, strength, compassion and caring – what we as health care professionals provide to our patients,” said C. Forrest Faison III, M.D., Sc.D. (hon.), FAAP, senior vice president and provost. “In the darkest hours of their lives, they will turn to us and see that white coat and know that we are there for them.”

Congratulations to the new M.M.Sc.A. students on the beginning of their journeys to becoming anesthesiologist assistants:

Magedaldine Alkacace
Jack Aulbach
Nicholas Bonamase
Ethan Boyko
Benjamin Fort
Taylor Hallworth
Hans Kremer
Sean Kudler
Jakey Mawas
Mays Moukdad
Sophia Murray
Madilynn Olenick
Elizabeth Ploskunak
Makayla Williams

GALLERY