Andrew M. Camerota, M.D.

General Surgeon

Staying physically active informs both the work and lifestyle of Andrew M. Camerota, M.D., a general surgeon with Saint Peter’s University Hospital. Dr. Camerota, 57, lives in Princeton and has three daughters, ages 18 to 29. Originally from Philadelphia, he attended Thomas Jefferson University Medical School there, then completed his surgery residency at Boston University. During a four-year stint in the U.S. Army, he received further training in advanced laparoscopic surgery. He has been associated with Saint Peter’s for about 20 years, first in private practice and now as part of Saint Peter’s Physician Associates, its network of affiliated physician practices.

What made you want to become a surgeon?

I like science, I like working with my hands, and I like people and human interaction. In 12th grade, while in public school, there was a special program that allowed me to work in the OR at Thomas Jefferson, and then I knew I wanted to be a surgeon.

I didn’t know how to pay for it, though. I have a pretty good sense of adventure, so I thought, why not go the Army route? I was stationed in Heidelberg, Germany, which was great. I had a fair amount of time off, so I put on my civilian clothes and my family and I drove all around Europe.

Fitness is a big part of your life. What do you like to do?

I like biking—I do 10 to 30 miles a week, which is not really that much, and I also like hiking in the Adirondacks. I used to drag my daughters up there. I go to the gym as much as possible. I do it all to stay in shape and stay active, which I think dovetails with what I do in surgery.

Describe the way your work impacts a patient’s lifestyle?

Most of what I do in abdominal surgery now can be done through laparoscopy. This minimally invasive surgery gets people back to an active lifestyle quicker, which I think is really important in any person’s life.