Princeton University Athletics
Dan Slatalla '92 MD / Men's Hockey
City, State / Workplace/Title
Winchester, MA Melrose Wakefield / Tufts Hospital, Digestive Health Associates
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Anesthesiology
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I enjoy all things biology, being part of a team and helping people get through during difficult situations.
What is the focus of your work today?
As an anesthesiologist, I care for anybody at the hospital - from the critically ill ICU patient to someone who needs surgery or a painful procedure, the unresponsive patient outside the hospital entrance, to expecting mothers in labor.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
As an anesthesiologist, I care for anybody at the hospital - from the critically ill ICU patient to someone who needs surgery or a painful procedure, the unresponsive patient outside the hospital entrance, to expecting mothers in labor.Dan Slatalla
Thankfully, we are close to normal presently. When COVID hit, the hospital closed access to visitors, elective surgical cases and anything that could be delayed. That freed up Anesthesiology to form "intubation teams" that would rotate three day shifts to help the ICU care for the sickest patients. It was laborious. I learned new terminology like donning and doffing - how to safely put on and take off contaminated personal protective equipment. We still cared for patients requiring emergency surgery. We set up a negative pressure COVID dedicated operating room, built intubation boxes to decrease viral exposure during intubation and experimented with possibly converting our ventilators to care for multiple patients as word spread about a possible shortage of machines.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
Playing hockey at Princeton for Toot Cahoon was excellent preparation for life, not just for the COVID pandemic. Practicing and preparation during personal highs and lows, attention to detail, and fine-tuning skills for unknown challenges became engrained traits that have always helped me find my way. Especially during COVID. When the pandemic was still very new, I moved to my basement to minimize contact with my family after work. It makes total sense to me that I set my cot next to my hockey equipment and I used a Princeton blanket my mom made me 30+ years ago. I went back to the basics of preparing for the unknown every day. I did it at Princeton, I did it in Baker Rink and I do it today.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
My kids inspire me. They have found a way to thrive despite harsh conditions. My colleagues inspire me as we prepare for the unknown by forming teams and looking out for each other to take on the unknown. [Also, our] call room blackboard.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Drexel University School of Medicine/Hahnemann Campus, Mass General Hospital Residency/Staff, Melrose Wakefield / Tuft Hospital Staff, Digestive Health Associates
Tiger Heroes
In partnership with RWJBarnabas Health, the official health care system of Princeton Athletics, “Tiger Heroes” honors front line workers and health care leaders from our alumni community. This digital and social series highlights alumni from all 37 varsity sports programs who have risen to the challenge since the onset of COVID-19. We also recognize special Princeton friends and family. Nominations may be sent to Jess Deutsch, Princeton's Associate Director, Student-Athlete Services: jdeutsch@princeton.edu