Princeton University Athletics
Peter McWhorter ‘01 MD / Men’s Golf
City, State / Workplace / Title
Greenwich, CT/ Greenwich Hospital / Surgeon
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
MD / specializing in Colon and Rectal Surgery and General Surgery
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
I followed my dad into medicine. He was/is my role model. Ironically, he never encouraged me to go into medicine because of what a long road it is to get trained and what a demanding lifestyle it is. I never was a good listener.
What is the focus of your work today?
Colon and Rectal surgeons manage diseases of the intestines, or more simply ‘butts and guts.’
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
“Princeton was harder than any other schooling/training I’ve ever done (and I wasn’t even pre-med.) Everything was a little easier after making it through.”Peter McWhorter
Fortunately we seem to have the worst of COVID behind us where I practice. It strikes me, however, that healthcare workers are fatigued (as we all are) by the extra work and stress that the pandemic brought. Burnout is a serious issue in medicine. Work-life balance can be very elusive. The virus knows no human borders. Our hospital in Connecticut is not a big hospital and has a maximum capacity of only about 180 beds. Early on during the pandemic we were well beyond capacity and had to put patients in areas that we would not normally use for in-patient treatment. The hospital had taken on a whole new complexion. To some degree it was “all-hands on deck” to help critical care specialists who saw the number of people needing ventilators and our ICU care increase by multiples above the daily norm.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
Princeton was harder than any other schooling/training I’ve ever done (and I wasn’t even pre-med.) Everything was a little easier after making it through P-town.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
My kids and their generation. As parents, we have to raise them with love and affection, teaching them how to care for others. Though the pandemic undoubtedly took a toll on children, young people also persevered by wearing their masks and boldly going to school (when able).
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, ‘08; General Surgery residency - Weill Cornell New York Presbyterian Hospital; Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship - Northshore Long Island Jewish Health System.
Editor's Note: watch this video with Peter and Princeton Golf Coach Will Green from early in the 2020 pandemic.
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