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Princeton University Athletics
Judson Williams ‘02 MD / Men’s Tennis
City, State / Workplace / Title
Raleigh, NC / Cardiac Surgeon, Executive Medical Director Heart and Vascular, WakeMed Health and Hospitals
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Cardiac Surgery MD/MHS
What made you choose a career in healthcare?
My mother inspired me to take a pre-med track at Princeton when she dropped me off on campus, she believed that I could make a difference for good in healthcare. Countless others inspired me through the long journey from my first premed course to finishing my formal training - training never ends, but the end of my formal training - this was 18 years since arriving at Princeton that my last fellowship was complete. One source of great inspiration has been and continues to be Dr. Peter K. Smith '73, who was the legendary chief of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Duke for over two and a half decades.
What is the focus of your work today?
I lead a diverse and dynamic heart center at the largest health system in my hometown of Raleigh, NC. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of our community and everything we do - research, teaching, clinical care, innovation - is focused on this mission.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
The pandemic has reinforced what a privilege it is to help a patient needing heart surgery to stay alive who may not otherwise live, to breathe better, to feel better, this is a joy to do.Judson Williams
The pandemic has renewed our focus on those things that are most important to our community, to our people and their families. And the pandemic has reinforced what a privilege it is to help a patient needing heart surgery to stay alive who may not otherwise live, to breathe better, to feel better, this is a joy to do.
How did being a Princeton student-athlete prepare you for the challenges you’ve faced?
The skills required for high performance tennis are the same as those required for cardiac surgery: intense mental focus, technical mastery, and a resilient spirit. Being a student athlete at Princeton prepared me perfectly for the challenges of heart surgery!
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I am inspired by my wife Margaret and our four children every single day!
Medical School / Other Affiliations
Duke University Department of Surgery
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