MissionCIT Medical Director Dr. Ronald I. Gross, MD, FACS, is a distinguished surgeon and military veteran with a career spanning over four decades. Graduating from New York University School of Medicine in 1976, he completed his general surgery residency at NYU/Bellevue Medical Center in 1982. Dr. Gross established himself in Connecticut, where he played a pivotal role in obtaining Level II trauma center verification for Norwalk Hospital. His commitment to trauma care led him to various leadership roles, including Chief of the Division of Trauma at Baystate Medical Center and St. Francis Hospital.
In 1988, Dr. Gross volunteered for the United States Army Reserve Medical Corps, rising to the rank of Colonel. His military service included deployments and leadership roles, such as Chief of Staff for the 405th Combat Support Hospital and Deputy Commander, Clinical Services of the 912th Forward Surgical Team during the Iraq deployment in 2003. He further contributed to military medicine through the Distinguished Senior Visiting Surgeon Program in Landstuhl, Germany.
Beyond clinical practice, Dr. Gross demonstrated a strong commitment to community service. He served on the Board of Directors for LifeChoice Donor Services, played key roles in trauma committees, and received numerous awards, including the ACS COT Millennium Commitment Award and the National Safety Council 2018 Surgeons’ Award for Service to Safety.
A pioneer in surgical education, Dr. Gross co-authored three ACS courses, including the Advanced Trauma Operative Management (ATOM) Course. He continues to contribute to the field as an editor and remains engaged in medical education.
In his personal life, Dr. Gross is a family man, married with two children and three granddaughters. He shares a passion for raising quarter horses with his wife, enjoying the equestrian lifestyle and cherishing moments with family and friends. After retiring from full-time clinical practice in 2023, Dr. Gross leaves a legacy of excellence in surgery, trauma care, and military service.