Princeton University Athletics
Krystal Hill '11 MD / Women's Basketball
City, State / Workplace/Title
Houston, TX/Baylor College of Medicine/Internal Medicine Resident
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Internal Medicine
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I enjoy taking care of people particularly when they are at their most vulnerable. I also enjoy empowering people with knowledge. Medicine encapsulates all of that. Although the journey is arduous and difficult, it is also very fulfilling.
What is the focus of your work today?
As a first-year trainee in internal medicine, I mostly take care of adult patients in the hospital. Variety is the defining feature of internal medicine, given the diversity of patient illnesses I diagnose, treat, and manage. I’m also working on a community engagement project that started during the pandemic in my last year in med school. We have partnered with a coalition of barbershops and salons in Philadelphia to help them safely reopen in the places hit hardest by the pandemic, and with the coalition we are building a COVID-19 vaccine initiative to increase access and address vaccine hesitancy.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
In athletics, I learned the power of resilience and a positive attitude/mindset. I often have to think positively in order to keep going in a stressful, fast-paced environment.Krystal Hill
This is my first year of working as a doctor! But one of the biggest changes is wearing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) all the time. Also it’s busier, the hospitals that I work in are bursting at the seams due to more sick patients.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
Having been a student-athlete has helped me a lot. In athletics, I learned the power of resilience and a positive attitude/mindset. I often have to think positively in order to keep going in a stressful, fast-paced environment.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I’m inspired by people in the hospital. I’ve learned so much from every team member and my patients. I am grateful to them for allowing me to see the beauty of humanity.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, 2020 graduate
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