When illness becomes critical, the defining question is no longer diagnosis alone, but whether a patient can truly return to life as they once knew it. For Dr Sharona B. Ross, that question shapes every decision she makes. As Professor of Surgery at the the University of Central Florida and Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa, her work is guided by a clear belief: surgery must not only treat disease, but restore life with precision, dignity, and compassion.
Born in Ashdod, Israel, Dr Ross discovered her fascination with medicine at the age of twelve after watching the television programme Quincy. Without traditional mentorship or guidance, she began building her own path, gaining early exposure to pathology before realising that her true calling lay not in observation, but in action. Surgery became the discipline through which she could combine intellect, technical precision, and human impact.
Her early years reflected remarkable discipline and range. Alongside academic excellence, she pursued music composition, with songs broadcast on Israeli radio. Following school, she served for two years in the Israeli Defense Forces as a medic and clinic manager, an experience that instilled resilience, composure, and responsibility under pressure.
Her move to the United States marked another demanding chapter. Despite cultural and linguistic challenges, she graduated summa cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from American University before earning her medical degree from George Washington University, where she was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha, all while raising a growing family. Her philosophy has remained unwavering throughout: if one wants something to happen, one must create the opportunity.
Today, Dr Ross is internationally recognised for her expertise in minimally invasive and robotic surgery, specialising in complex diseases of the pancreas, oesophagus, stomach, adrenals, and small bowel. Her work has helped advance surgical approaches that reduce pain, minimise risk, and accelerate recovery, allowing patients to return to normal life with greater confidence and ease.
Her influence extends beyond the operating theatre into medical innovation itself. Through collaborations with leading healthcare technology companies including Olympus, Medtronic, Stryker, and Intuitive Surgical, she has contributed to the advancement of robotic foregut and hepato-pancreato-biliary surgery. Her work continues to shape how emerging technologies can be integrated into modern surgical practice while maintaining the highest standards of patient safety and clinical excellence.
At AdventHealth Tampa, her leadership spans minimally invasive surgery, surgical endoscopy, fellowship training, and broader surgical operations. Yet beyond titles and responsibilities, her role remains rooted in mentorship and the pursuit of better outcomes for patients.
Her influence across the global surgical community has been equally significant. Dr Ross served as President of the Society of Robotic Surgery in 2024 and the Society of Laparoendoscopic & Robotic Surgeons in 2025, while also holding the position of Honorary Vice President of the Southeastern Surgical Congress. Through these roles, she has contributed to shaping surgical education, research, and professional standards internationally.
Her academic contributions further reinforce this impact. With more than 245 peer-reviewed publications, over 200 national and international presentations, and extensive surgical video contributions, Dr Ross has played a pivotal role in advancing modern surgical knowledge. She also serves on the editorial boards of leading journals, including Annals of Surgery and Surgical Endoscopy, helping guide ongoing research and innovation within the field.
Recognising the barriers women often face in surgical careers, Dr Ross founded the Women in Surgery Initiative in 2009 to provide mentorship, exposure, and guidance for aspiring surgeons. This vision later expanded through the Women in Surgery Career Symposium and the Women in Surgery & Innovation App, a digital platform designed to foster mentorship, collaboration, education, and professional connection for women pursuing careers in surgery worldwide.
Among the many complex procedures she has performed, one case remains particularly defining: a patient diagnosed with a large pancreatic tumour requiring urgent surgical intervention. The operation demanded meticulous planning, technical precision, and seamless teamwork. The procedure proved successful, and the patient was ultimately able to return to a normal quality of life. For Dr Ross, moments such as these reaffirm the true purpose of surgery, not simply to treat disease, but to restore life itself.
Her forthcoming book, Sustainable Excellence: A New Model for Success for Women in Medicine, Leadership, and High-Pressure Careers, scheduled for publication in October 2026, further reflects this philosophy. Drawing from both professional accomplishments and deeply personal experiences, including recovery from a life-altering accident, the book offers an honest exploration of resilience, leadership, balance, and well-being for women navigating demanding careers.
Despite her professional achievements, Dr Ross remains deeply grounded in family life and personal pursuits such as horseback riding and golf, both of which provide balance and clarity amidst the demands of surgery and leadership.
Dr Sharona B. Ross’s legacy is defined not merely by technical excellence, but by clarity of purpose. Through innovation, leadership, mentorship, and an unwavering commitment to patient-centred care, she continues to redefine modern surgery, ensuring that even in the most difficult circumstances, patients are given not only treatment, but the possibility of life restored.
