Princeton University Athletics
Heather Harnly '96 MD / Women's Rowing
City, State / Workplace / Title
Princeton, NJ/ RWJBarnabas New Brunswick/ Pediatric Orthopedist
Medical Specialty / Other Degrees (MBA/MPH, etc.)
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery
What is your connection to Princeton Athletics and RWJBARNABAS Health?
In addition to being a 4-year member of Women's Rowing, my spouse is Greg Hughes '96 who is the current Men's Rowing Coach. I am also an employee of RWJBarnabas.
What is the focus of your work today?
Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon with a focus in sports medicine, including arthroscopic surgery; ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL injuries of the knee; musculoskeletal injuries; and shoulder problems.
How has your work changed in the face of COVID-19?
I always felt confident they [RWJBarnabas] were doing everything possible to keep their staff safe while simultaneously doing everything they could to help the community. Just as in my rowing team days, I was inspired to do more than I ever thought I could because I knew how hard everyone else was pulling.Heather Harnly
The ebb and flow of our patient care has changed over the last year. Initially we saw fewer injuries and patients in late March/April 2020 when everyone was really staying home. All elective surgery was put on hold as the hospital system pivoted people and resources to help patients admitted with COVID-19 illnesses. With the summer, things began to pick up again, and over most of the last year, we have been working at full capacity to help injured children.
Who else do you consider to be a “frontline hero?”
I'm fortunate to work with a team of physicians, nurses, staff and technologists who always put our patients first. In March of 2020, our office staff and my fellow physicians really rallied in the face of a lot of unknowns even as we all acknowledged a lot of our own fears about the pandemic. It was humbling to go to the hospital for emergency orthopedic cases and see the ordeals of the nurses and anesthesiologists who were truly on the frontlines of managing the critically ill COVID positive patients. RWJBarnabas set up daily briefs and videos to help all the staff feel informed and connected as the situation and protocols changed on an almost daily basis. I always felt confident they were doing everything possible to keep their staff safe while simultaneously doing everything they could to help the community. Just as in my rowing team days, I was inspired to do more than I ever thought I could because I knew how hard everyone else was pulling.
What keeps you inspired as you look ahead?
I think we are all looking forward to a return to normal activities and sports and helping kids be as active and as healthy as they can be.
Medical School / Other Affiliations
University of Pennsylvania School of 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