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Princeton University Athletics
Tom Shimabukuro ‘91 MD / Men’s Hockey
City, State / Workplace / Title
Atlanta, GA / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / Deputy Director of the Immunization Safety Office
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
My specialty (and board certification) is Public Health and General Preventive Medicine. I also have an MPH and an MBA, both from Johns Hopkins.
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I ended up at the CDC because I was drawn to public health and epidemiology. It’s different than clinical medicine where the focus is on individual patients and individual health. In public health, the focus is on populations and population health.
What is the focus of your work today?
I currently work on the Vaccine Safety Team in the CDC’s COVID-19 response. Our job is to monitor the safety of COVID-19 vaccines. This is called post-authorization safety monitoring. Vaccines continue to be monitored for safety once they are authorized or approved and are out there being used in the community.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
...I feel fortunate to be in a position to contribute to the national response. Vaccination is one of the public health tools that will help society return to normal. I hope I can help people make informed decisions about their health and their families’ health.Tom Shimabukuro
The volume of vaccine doses given over a relatively short period of time, the expectation that CDC closely monitor the safety of these new COVID-19 vaccines, and the desire of the medical community and the public for timely information on safety of the vaccines has led to a fast paced, intense environment that has continued for over a year now.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
On a nearly daily basis it reinforces the value of preparation, persistence, discipline, flexibility, physical and mental toughness, and most importantly, teamwork.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been a tragedy on so many levels, but I feel fortunate to be in a position to contribute to the national response. Vaccination is one of the public health tools that will help society return to normal. I hope I can help people make informed decisions about their health and their families’ health.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
New York University School of Medicine, class of 1995.
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