The Journey Begins: UT MSA Program Welcomes the Class of 2028

It was a fun-filled and exciting afternoon on June 26, 2026, as the UT MSA Program welcomed its newest cohort—the Class of 2028.

Since welcoming its inaugural class in Fall 2024, the program has continued to grow. This year marks another exciting milestone as the program welcomes its first full cohort. From thousands of applicants, 27 exceptional students were selected to begin the 28-month Master of Science in Anesthesia (MSA) Program in Fall 2026.

The event drew its inspiration from Jon Gordon’s The Energy Bus, using the bus journey as a metaphor for both the students’ experience during the Meet & Greet and their long-term journey toward becoming successful Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants (CAAs).

Before the program officially began, students embarked on a mini journey with two stops along the way—white coat fitting and headshot photography. Their final destination was the event venue, where they were greeted with bright smiles, warm conversations, and an energetic welcome from the MSA Energy Bus Crew.

The program opened with inspiring welcome remarks from the distinguished “drivers” of the journey—Charlie Phung, CAA, Program Director, and Naveen Vanga, MD, Medical Director—followed by a special message from Grace Cavazos, Manager for Educational Programs.

Grace shared one of the central messages from The Energy Bus:

“We are the drivers of our own path. Over the next 28 months, each of you will be responsible for your own seat on this bus and the energy you bring to the journey. Our responsibility, as your program leadership, faculty, and staff, is to serve as your guides, mentors, coaches, and support system along the way. Together, we will navigate the road ahead and work toward your success.”

The MSA Energy Bus Crew—comprised of program leadership, faculty, student chiefs, and Educational Programs staff—came together to welcome the incoming cohort and demonstrate the strong sense of community that defines the program. Also present were Assistant Program Directors Chaveli Licata, CAA, and Nina Wen, CAA, along with Shane Cunha, PhD, Didactic Director, and Michael LaForce, CAA, Simulation Instructor and Clinical Preceptor.

Dr. Naveen Vanga, Medical Director, introduces the MSA Energy Bus Crew.

Program leadership poses for a photo. (L-R): Assistant Program Directors Chaveli Licata, CAA and Nina Wen, CAA, and Didactic Director, Shane Cunha, PhD

The Student Chiefs—Ashley, McKinsey, Taylor, Megan, and Keyona—provided a warm reception and led interactive games and team-building activities that encouraged students to connect, collaborate, and have fun as they tackled their first challenges together. Prizes were awarded to game winners and lucky draw participants, adding even more excitement to the afternoon.

Simulation Instructor and Clinical Preceptor, Michael LaForce, CAA is joined by the Student Chiefs. (L-R, front row) Keyona Taylor, Ashley Baker, Taylor Myer, (L-R, back row) Mckinsey Maddox, and Megan Staats 

Throughout the event, the positive energy was unmistakable. More than a welcome event, the Meet & Greet marked the first stop of a remarkable 28-month journey—one that will be guided by purpose, strengthened through teamwork, and fueled by the positive energy shared among students, faculty, staff, and program leadership.

As the newest members of the UT MSA family begin their journey, one thing is certain: the MSA Energy Bus is officially on the road, and the Class of 2028 is ready for the ride.

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