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Princeton University Athletics
Carolyn Boscia (Murphy) ’07 MD / Women’s Lightweight Crew
City, State / Workplace / Title
Burlington, VT / University of Vermont Medical Center / Hospitalist
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Internal Medicine and Pediatrics
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I love solving complex clinical problems, combining the science with all of the human variables and helping to figure out solutions for people. In inpatient medicine it’s all about helping patients to define their goals and values, and then from there defining and working toward whatever healing looks like.
What is the focus of your work today?
I care for all hospitalized patients, from birth (newborns) to end of life. My oldest patient today was 100!
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
Thank you to nurses, respiratory therapists, support staff, and all other essential workers—you are the real heroesCarolyn Boscia
In Vermont we’ve been fortunate to have lower COVID numbers compared to much of the country. The most dramatic changes at work have been all the downstream effects of isolation. People are presenting for care later (wanting to avoid the hospital), and therefore sicker. Social isolation has really increased rates of opiate-related and psychiatric hospitalizations. The hospital has been closed to visitors, and patients really suffer when they can’t have loved ones at the bedside. And so many people are stuck in the hospital for prolonged periods of time since they don’t have adequate supports available at home due to the pandemic. All of the ripple effects have really made the inpatient setting a lot more isolated for patients than it used to be, and it’s hard to help people heal in this kind of environment.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
Grit — you can’t buy it, you have to earn it. Getting up for morning practice every day prepared me for those mornings now when it’s early and I know the day is going to be a slog — but you just put on the scrubs and get going, because mission comes first.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
The butterfly effect — every time we care for another person, we change the world for the better.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Harvard Medical School
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