Princeton University Athletics
Martin Raymond Eichelberger '67 MD / Football and Lacrosse
City, State / Workplace / Title
Washington, D.C., Children's National Medical Center, Pediatric Surgeon
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
MD, Pediatric Surgery
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I chose the profession of medicine out of a commitment to science which impacts upon the lives of patients and which serves the needs of the community. Better health for the individual patient is closely associated with the public health of the community. After the privilege to care for many patients, especially injured children, it became evident that the “vaccine for injury” is really communications – define the problem, create coalitions of community members to work together on solutions, advocate for laws to establish a safe community and educate the public how to prevent the death of 10,000 children each year. That saves lives! That makes the big difference. Safe Kids Worldwide is the vaccine for injured children.
What is the focus of your work today?
In 2017, I became the Founder, President and CEO of Triaj Inc. Given that the third leading cause of death in the United States is medical error by healthcare providers, a solution is necessary. All healthcare professionals – nurses, physicians, surgeons, corpsmen, medics – experience a “knowledge gap” during care of patients. Since medical knowledge doubles every two years, the amount of information to master is a challenge. Triaj 1.0, is an innovative, communications platform which consists of a hand-held, software application that provides "just-in-time," evidence-based knowledge at the point of care at anytime, worldwide. The system will improve the quality of patient care in a safe environment, coordinate the healthcare team and reduce the cost of care. The platform will revolutionize the diagnosis, treatment and care of patients as we close the medical knowledge gap. The establishment of a baseline of care through the use of artificial intelligence is the future of medicine. My Princeton experience continues to guide me to find an answer to the problem.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
The courage to compete on the field of play instills character that makes a difference in saving lives in the operating room.Martin Eichelberger
COVID-19 revealed significant weaknesses of the Healthcare System in the United States. The large number of deaths here reinforces the importance of developing Clinical Decision Support Systems to close the knowledge gap for all healthcare providers and coordinate the healthcare team.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
The courage to compete on the field of play instills character that makes a difference in saving lives in the operating room.
Renowned Lacrosse Hall of Fame coach, Ferris Thomsen had a simple philosophy - “have fun and win some games!” For what became our 1967 undefeated, Ivy League, Championship team, the expectation was “continuous effort, quality stickwork, an all-in attitude, and a commitment to the team, no matter the consequence.” Our experiment as a lacrosse team reinforced the importance of the individual as a member of a community committed to the greater good. It is clear that success requires exceptional teammates, preparation, tenacity, high expectations, persistence in the face of failure and a sense of humor. Princeton created such a challenge in all aspects of student-athlete life, 55 years ago, and now. Each of us is fortunate to be from a place of such high standards established by talented faculty and coaches.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I am inspired by the opportunity to create a platform that will save the lives of children and their parents. We can, and must, provide quality healthcare in a safe environment with coordinated care, at an affordable cost.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics, Emeritus: George Washington University, Washington, DC
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