Princeton University Athletics
Christie Coates '89 MD / Women's Tennis
City, State / Workplace / Title
Ridgefield, CT / Ridgefield Ophthalmology / Owner
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Ophthalmology / Oculoplastic Surgeon
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I wanted to take care of patients.
What is the focus of your work today?
I practice general ophthalmology and oculoplastic surgery. I tend to my patients’ medical and surgical ophthalmic needs and strive to provide the highest level of care.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
Time management and staying calm under pressure - all of these were incredibly valuable lessons that I felt fortunate to have learned and improved upon at Princeton.Christie Coates
I invested time and resources to ensure that my office, staff and patients would be as safe as possible during the pandemic. I also started telehealth visits for patients who could not come into my office after the pandemic began last March.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
The importance and strength of teamwork! The value of mentors - searching them out among my professors and TAs as well as among my teammates and coaches. Time management and staying calm under pressure - all of these were incredibly valuable lessons that I felt fortunate to have learned and improved upon at Princeton.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
My husband, Jack Hergenrother ‘88 and our children: Laura ‘19, Emma ‘20, Julia and Steven. In terms of my career - the challenge of continually learning and taking the best possible care that I can of my patients.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
University of Vermont College of Medicine / Internship at Mt Auburn Hospital, Cambridge, MA / Residency - NYU / Manhattan Eye, Ear and Throat Hospital / Fellowship at Cornell
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