When serious problems affect the digestive system, pancreas, bile ducts, or esophagus, treatment often becomes complex and time-sensitive. Without the right surgical expertise, patients may face longer hospital stays, repeated procedures, and a higher risk of complications that slow recovery and disrupt daily life. For families, it often brings stress and uncertainty, especially when clear answers and timely care feel out of reach.
In moments like these, one question often stands out: where can we find the right specialist who can make a real difference?
It is in these complex and high-pressure situations that Dr. Sharona B. Ross steps in. She is a Professor of Surgery at the University of Central Florida and Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery at AdventHealth Tampa. With nearly two decades of experience, she specializes in minimally invasive and robotic approaches for complex digestive, pancreatic, biliary, reflux, and esophageal conditions, helping reduce complications and support faster recovery.
She often emphasizes a simple principle in her work: “Every decision must prioritize the patient’s safety and long-term recovery.”
Alongside her surgical practice, she is deeply involved in training the next generation of surgeons and working with multidisciplinary teams to ensure care is well-coordinated, precise, and timely from diagnosis through recovery.
From military discipline to surgical excellence
Born on June 24, 1969, in Ashkelon, Israel, Dr. Sharona B. Ross developed the discipline, resilience, and sense of responsibility that would later define her career. Her two years of service in the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) further strengthened these qualities, teaching her how to stay calm under pressure, make critical decisions, and lead through challenging situations, skills that would prove invaluable in surgery.
Driven by a desire to help others, Dr. Ross pursued medicine and built a strong academic foundation. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The American University in Washington, D.C., graduating Summa Cum Laude, and later received her Doctor of Medicine degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, where she was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society for her excellence in scholarship, leadership, and professionalism.
Her commitment to learning continued through a General Surgery residency at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, where she progressed to Chief Resident. She later completed fellowships in Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary and Advanced Gastrointestinal Minimally Invasive Surgery, followed by an Endoscopic Gastroenterology Fellowship and research training in GI Endoscopy and Natural Orifice Transluminal Endoscopic Surgery (NOTES). These experiences laid the foundation for her expertise in traditional and advanced surgical techniques.
Making surgery less painful and recovery faster
Dr. Ross specializes in advanced foregut surgery and minimally invasive procedures for complex pancreatic, biliary, reflux, esophageal, stomach, and upper gastrointestinal conditions affecting the digestive system, pancreas, bile ducts, gallbladder, esophagus, stomach, and upper gastrointestinal tract. A major focus of her work is minimally invasive and robotic surgery, which helps patients experience less pain, smaller scars, and faster recovery than traditional open procedures.
She was among the first surgeons in the United States to introduce Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) surgery, allowing complex operations to be performed through a single incision. Dr. Sharona B. Ross is also one of the few surgeons performing highly complex robotic abdominal procedures for cancer patients. Throughout her career, she has combined advanced surgical techniques with compassionate, patient-centered care, with every decision guided by safety, effectiveness, and long-term well-being.
Hold numerous leadership positions
At AdventHealth Tampa, Dr. Sharona B. Ross holds several leadership positions that allow her to strengthen patient care and surgical programs.
Her key responsibilities include:
- Director of Minimally Invasive Surgery
- Director of Surgical Endoscopy
- Director of the Advanced GI and HPB Fellowship Program
- Leader of the Mickle Center for Reflux and Esophageal Disorders
- Leader of the Pancreatic Cancer Center
Through these roles, she is helping expand access to advanced treatment while improving outcomes for patients facing some of the most challenging digestive and pancreatic diseases.
Contribution to the advancement of surgery
Professional organizations have given Dr. Sharona B. Ross opportunities to help shape the future of surgery while collaborating with experts around the world. In 2025, she serves as President of the Society of Laparoendoscopic & Robotic Surgeons and previously served as President of the Society of Robotic Surgery in 2024. She is also the Honorary Vice President of the Southeastern Surgical Congress.
In addition, Dr. Ross is actively involved with organizations such as SAGES, the American College of Surgeons, AHPBA, and SSAT. Through these groups, she contributes to initiatives focused on technology, education, oncology, surgical standards, and robotic surgery.
These roles allow her to promote best practices, encourage the responsible use of new technologies, and mentor future surgeons. Above all, her work continues to support advances that keep patient safety and better outcomes at the center of modern surgical care.
Research contributions and academic output
Research has been a driving force throughout Dr. Ross’s career. She believes that progress in medicine depends on continuous learning, scientific inquiry, and a commitment to improving patient care. Over the years, she has made significant contributions to surgical research and education, helping advance the field for practicing and future surgeons.
Her academic work includes:
- More than 240 peer-reviewed publications
- Around 20 surgical book chapters
- More than 200 presentations at national and international conferences
- Over 240 operative video presentations
- More than 100 television interviews and news features
In addition, she serves on the editorial boards of leading medical journals, including Annals of Surgery, The American Surgeon, Surgical Endoscopy, and the Journal of Gastrointestinal Surgery. Through these roles, she helps review and guide important research that influences modern surgical practice. Her work has consistently focused on improving surgical techniques and expanding the use of robotic and minimally invasive procedures, with one goal always at the center of her efforts: making surgery safer, more precise, and more effective for patients.
Creation of women in surgery initiative
Dr. Sharona B. Ross founded the Women in Surgery Initiative after recognizing a challenge that had existed in the profession for many years. Although women make up nearly half of all medical students, far fewer go on to become practicing surgeons, particularly in certain specialties. Over the years, she noticed that many talented women were discouraged by the belief that surgery was a male-dominated field or that pursuing a surgical career meant sacrificing family life and personal priorities.
Determined to change those perceptions, Dr. Ross created the Women in Surgery Initiative to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for aspiring surgeons. Built around mentorship, education, and opportunity, the initiative connects students with experienced professionals who can guide and encourage them throughout their journey. Through these efforts, Dr. Ross has helped many young women see that a rewarding career in surgery is not only possible, but one that can be shaped according to their own goals and aspirations.
Women in Surgery Career Symposium Program
Created through the Women in Surgery Initiative founded by Dr. Sharona B. Ross in 2009, the Women in Surgery Career Symposium is an annual hands-on program that introduces students to the opportunities and realities of a career in surgery. Bringing together high school, college, and medical students, residents, and fellows with experienced surgeons and healthcare professionals, the event has welcomed more than 600 participants every year.
Through interactive sessions, exposure to advanced surgical technologies, discussions on career paths and work-life balance, and valuable networking opportunities, participants gain insight into the profession. The symposium also challenges outdated views about surgery and encourages more young women to pursue the field with confidence. More than an educational event, it provides mentorship, inspiration, and support to help future healthcare professionals build successful careers.
Challenging clinical case
One of the most remarkable cases in Dr. Sharona B. Ross’s career involved a patient with a large bleeding duodenal tumor involving the Superior Mesenteric Vein. The situation was critical, with little room for error. The surgery carried significant risks, including severe bleeding.
Success depended on careful planning and the coordinated efforts of an experienced medical team. Despite the complexity of the case, the surgery was successful, and the patient went on to make a remarkable recovery, regaining much of their quality of life. For Dr. Ross, cases like this are a powerful reminder that even in the most challenging situations, preparation, teamwork, and surgical expertise can give patients renewed hope.
Life-changing accident
On June 1, 2025, Dr. Ross’s life changed in an instant when she was involved in a serious bicycle accident. She suffered a skull fracture, multiple facial fractures, and a broken clavicle, spending weeks in intensive care followed by a long and challenging recovery. For the first time in her career, she experienced healthcare from a very different perspective, not as a surgeon, but as a patient.
The experience gave Dr. Sharona B. Ross a deeper appreciation for the physical, emotional, and mental struggles that patients and their families face. Living through the uncertainty and the long road to recovery strengthened her empathy and reshaped the way she cares for others. When she returned to the operating room, she did so with an even greater sense of purpose. Beyond treating disease, she became more committed than ever to understanding, supporting, and walking alongside patients through every stage of their healing journey.
Sharona’s upcoming book
Scheduled for release in October 2026, Dr. Sharona B. Ross’s upcoming book, titled “Sustainable Excellence: A New Model for Success for Women in Medicine, Leadership, and High-Pressure Careers” offers a deeply personal look at her life following the devastating bicycle accident that changed everything. In its pages, she shares the challenges she faced, the setbacks she endured, and the strength it took to rebuild her life after one of its most difficult chapters.
Centered on themes of recovery, faith, determination, and personal growth, the book goes beyond her accomplishments as a surgeon. It tells the story of a woman who experienced vulnerability firsthand and found the courage to move forward. Through her journey, Dr. Ross hopes to encourage others facing medical, personal, or professional struggles, reminding them that even in the toughest moments, hope can be renewed, strength can be rediscovered, and a new sense of purpose can emerge.
Awards and recognitions
Dr. Ross has been board-certified by the American Board of Surgery since 2006 and has maintained her certification through ongoing recertification, reflecting her commitment to staying current with advances in surgical care. She has been licensed to practice medicine in Florida since 2008. Earlier in her career, she served as an Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS) Course Instructor from 2002 to 2006, helping train healthcare professionals in managing emergency and life-threatening situations.
Her dedication to patient care, surgical excellence, innovation, and leadership has earned her numerous honors over the years, including:
- Patient Preferred Surgeon Award (2020–2026)
- Top Surgeon in Gastroenterology
- Top Doctor Award
- Top Surgeon in Tampa Award
- AWS Empowered Women in Medicine Award
- Nina Starr Braunwald Award
- Distinguished Service Award
- Tampa City Council Commendation
- B.E.S.T. Program Award
- Multiple Top Industry Awards
While these accomplishments are meaningful, Dr. Sharona B. Ross believes their true significance lies in the lives they represent. For her, the greatest reward is helping patients achieve better outcomes, advancing the field of surgery, and encouraging the next generation of surgeons to aim higher. Guided by a genuine passion for caring for people, she remains committed to learning, growing, and embracing new approaches that make treatment safer and more effective.
Understanding firsthand the logistical and cultural barriers women face, Dr. Ross recently also launched a community-driven app designed to connect aspiring female surgeons with mentors, research opportunities, and peer support, making finding guidance and building networks in a field where women have often felt isolated easier than ever before.
To join the Women in Surgery & Innovation APP:
iOS- https://apps.apple.com/de/app/women-in-surgery-innovation/id6755475866
Android- https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.womeninsurgery&hl=en_IN
Life beyond surgery
Outside of her busy schedule in surgery and leadership, Dr. Ross believes in maintaining balance through the things she enjoys most. Family plays a special role in her life, and spending time with her children, Eran, Nicole, Stephanie, and Justin, continues to be a source of joy, inspiration, and motivation.
She also enjoys activities that help her stay active and recharge. Horseback riding, skeet shooting, and golf are among her favorite pastimes, offering relaxation and a chance to stay focused and disciplined. Another important part of her life is Roger, her Rhodesian Ridgeback, with whom she shares a special bond. These interests provide moments of balance and renewal, allowing Dr. Ross to return to her work with the same energy, focus, and dedication that she brings to caring for her patients.
Advice for aspiring surgeons and young professionals
Dr. Sharona B. Ross encourages aspiring surgeons and young professionals to remain focused, resilient, and committed to lifelong learning. Her own journey, from serving in the Israeli Defense Forces to becoming an internationally recognized surgeon, reflects the value of discipline, perseverance, and dedication.
She believes that embracing new technologies and staying open to change are essential to improving patient care. At the same time, she emphasizes the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and building strong professional relationships that support growth and success.
Dr. Ross is especially passionate about creating more opportunities for women in medicine. Through programs such as the Women in Surgery Career Symposium, she works to challenge outdated views and inspire more young women to pursue careers in surgery with confidence. She believes that a rewarding medical career and a fulfilling personal life can go hand in hand.
At the heart of her message is a simple principle: stay true to your purpose, keep learning, support others, and never lose sight of the people you serve.
