Sam Ritter '08 MD / Wrestling
City, State / Workplace / Title
Dallas, TX / Baylor University Medical Center / Emergency Physician
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
MD / MHA
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I find the pursuit of helping people as a physician challenging intellectually. There is a nobility in emergency medicine since you have the opportunity to care for people across all spectrums of human experience. This higher calling keeps me inspired and fulfilled through difficult times and happier times. Getting the opportunity to quickly bond with people at their worst is a challenge and blessing unparalleled.
What is the focus of your work today?
I work on the frontlines of delivering high-quality, evidence-based care. Currently, that involves assessing, diagnosing, treating, stabilizing and reassuring patients from every background with every type of emergency complaint. More specifically, it involves delivering that service to people struggling with COVID-19 infection. Both the mildly ill and the critically and mortally ill.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
While practicing medicine, I’m frequently confronted with death, loss and suffering. I also strive to meet goals and expectations that are beyond reach. I’m able to feel and suffer that loss so that I can make myself more emotionally and intellectually available to the next patient.Sam Ritter
I practice emergency medicine much the same as I always have. COVID-19 has increased the number of patients with respiratory complaints. The pandemic has surprisingly increased public awareness regarding health and wellness which has helped to inform patients. Patients are becoming ever better participants in their care and well-being.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
My experiences with athletics have shaped how I approach challenges in life. As I think back on my athletic experiences, the most meaningful part of that journey was learning how to cope with failure. While you prepare to be your best, the focus is continuously on success and striving for excellence. At the time, I struggled with losing but having that struggle and conflict has made all the difference to me now. While practicing medicine, I’m frequently confronted with death, loss and suffering. I also strive to meet goals and expectations that are beyond reach. I’m able to feel and suffer that loss so that I can make myself more emotionally and intellectually available to the next patient.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
Every day that I work with patients who are suffering is an opportunity to be impactful. I’m inspired to work toward the best version of myself so that I can help those during their worst days. That assistance is so much more than medical knowledge and aptitude. It’s being a teammate, leader, and a compassionate human. Core skills sharpened through athletics.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
University of Florida College of Medicine, MD / Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Emergency Medicine Residency / University of North Carolina Chapel Hill, MHA
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