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Justin Conway ‘07 MD / Men’s Basketball
City, State / Workplace / Title
Beacon, NY / Crystal Run Healthcare / Sports Medicine Physician
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
MD
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I grew up hearing stories of my great-grandfather, a doctor in rural Michigan who was very dedicated to his patients. He did house calls and took care of the same families for generations, and was often paid in chickens or other goods. I was inspired to connect with and work alongside my community in a similar way.
What is the focus of your work today?
I treat patients of all ages with the primary goal of helping people return to activities that they enjoy. I hope to contribute to a more just and equitable health care system by treating all patients with respect and dignity and following the leadership of those most impacted by structural racism and societal barriers to wellness.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
Whether you're the leading scorer or a walk-on whose primary role is as a practice player, everyone plays a critical part in making the team successful. The same holds true in medicine.Justin Conway
In the Spring of 2020 my outpatient clinical practice paused, and I was able to pivot to work in our local hospital to help care for the overflow of patients overwhelming the existing hospital staff. During the summer, we adapted back to a mix of in-person and Telehealth visits, and there was in an increase in musculoskeletal complaints related to relative inactivity and working from home. As sports have started to resume I have been helping athletes safely return to play after COVID-19 infection and I have been working with our local college on their policies and procedures related to COVID-19 testing and prevention among their athletic programs.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
The teamwork and dedication to a common cause that are critical for a successful sports team are true of an effective medical team as well. Whether you're the leading scorer or a walk-on whose primary role is as a practice player, everyone plays a critical part in making the team successful. The same holds true in medicine - no matter your role, if all members of a patient's community of care are valued and empowered to deliver the highest level of care, that leads to the best outcomes for our patients and our communities.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I am inspired by the unbelievably resilient people I get to meet through my work, the clarity of the critique of our healthcare systems, and the hope that next generations will inherit a more just world.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
University of Michigan Medical School, 2012 / Diplomate, American Board of Family Medicine, CAQ Sports Medicine / American Medical Society for Sports Medicine
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