This week in Washington, DC we celebrated 27 first-year students in the Master of Science in Anesthesia Program in small-group white coat ceremonies. Each ceremony was hosted at the D.C. Program Office by the Associate Executive Program Director, Shane Angus, CAA, the D.C. MSA Medical Director, and the D.C. core faculty. Each morning ceremony was live streamed for friends and family who could not attend in person due to ongoing travel, capacity, and safety restrictions. Each student was recognized individually, then addressed and congratulated as a group for their accomplishments. Students were given a brief history of the tradition, symbolism and significance of the ceremony -- a celebration, a milestone accomplishment, and a rite of passage for student of medicine who carry the responsibility of patient care. The white coat ceremony marks the official entry of these students into the healthcare profession.
This class has faced numerous unique challenges in these unprecedented times, yet they continue to advance in their clinical training and beyond. We warmly congratulate the rising class of 2022 and are proud of their resilience, dedication, and commitment.