Princeton University Athletics
Cameron Theodore Atkinson '03 MD / Football
City, State / Workplace/Title
Dallas, TX / Arlington Orthopedic Associates, P.A. / Orthopedic Hand Surgeon
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Hand Surgeon / MD
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
Medicine provided the unique opportunity to use my hands and mind every single day while at the same time providing for my community in a crucial and fundamental way.
What is the focus of your work today?
Clinical care of adult and pediatric patients with any and all issues of the upper extremity.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
To speak specifically to current challenges, hardship is nothing new having played football at Princeton. Getting knocked down or putting in the hours in the weight room are small lessons compared to the suffering we are seeing today but they are no less instructive.Cameron Atkinson
As a primarily elective surgeon, staying busy has been a challenge. In the same vein, working through the unique social and financial challenges of the pandemic with my patients to see to it they still get the care they need has been yeoman's work to say the least.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
First and foremost, my time as a Princeton student-athlete made my years as a student seem mundane in comparison. Studying constantly, the anatomy lab, clinical rotations... all difficult but not as tough as three seasons of varsity sports while getting a degree from the Best Darn Place of All in Chemistry. To speak specifically to current challenges, hardship is nothing new having played football at Princeton. Getting knocked down or putting in the hours in the weight room are small lessons compared to the suffering we are seeing today but they are no less instructive.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
My patients. From the 6 year old with a wrist fracture to the 95 year-old with carpal tunnel syndrome; their dedication to their own health and seemingly boundless faith in what we in medicine can do for them drives me to keep going everyday.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Vanderbilt School of Medicine / Vanderbilt University Medical Center Department of Orthopedic Surgery (Residency) / The Philadelphia Hand Center at The Thomas Jefferson University (Fellowship)
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