Medical School adds Master of Science in Anesthesia Program
McGovern Medical School recently matriculated its inaugural class to its master’s of science degree in anesthesia program. The 35 students started class in August.
Supported by the Medical School’s Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, the program is the first such degree program for a Texas state institution. It is the 21st MSA program in the nation.
Upon completion of the program and certification exam, graduates will be recognized as Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants and will work under the direction of anesthesiologists to implement anesthesia care plans.
Students of the program will complete a 28-month curriculum, which includes 100 credit hours, 900 hours of didactic and simulation-based learning, and clinical training of more than 2,500 patient-contact hours.
“Our program introduces students to the practice of anesthesia and the operating room early on in their training, which is facilitated by the guidance and support of our UT CAAs and attending anesthesiologists,” said Naveen Vanga, MD, the program’s medical director. “Our goal is to develop exceptional and compassionate anesthesiologist assistants through an innovative approach to education and a strong clinical foundation.”
In addition to hosting classes and lab sessions at a newly designed facility, clinical training will take place at various UTHealth and UTHealth partner locations. Training will encompass the management of various types of anesthetics and subspecialties, including trauma, cardiovascular surgery, neurosurgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, gynecology, urology, otorhinolaryngology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, ophthalmology, orthopedics, advanced endoscopy, and interventional radiology.
The MSA program leadership, comprised of 13 individuals, also includes Charlie Phung, CAA, as the program director; didactic director Shane Cunha, PhD; simulation specialist Stephanie Giang; and program manager Kimesha Webb.
“The unique experiences we have planned, coupled with high acuity cases, a rigorous curriculum, and an innovative simulation lab, will produce competent, well-rounded anesthesiologist assistants that will become future leaders in their field and advocates for patient safety,” Vanga added.
For more details on the program and how to apply, visit https://med.uth.edu/msa/.