Sustainable Excellence

“In this book, just as she has done throughout her remarkable career, Dr. Sharona Ross challenges us to think boldly, trust our instincts, confront our deepest fears, and fully embrace our passion and purpose as women professionals and leaders. Drawing on decades of experience, she explores the many forms of adversity we must be prepared to face and offers invaluable strategies to help us persevere, overcome, and find joy and fulfillment in our careers. This is an inspiring and empowering guide for anyone striving to lead with courage, resilience, and authenticity.”
— Patricia Sylla, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Professor of Surgery and System Chief of the Division of Colon and Rectal Surgery, Mount Sinai Health System, NY

“In this thoughtful and inspiring book, Dr. Sharona Ross offers an authentic and deeply relatable perspective on the realities of building a successful, meaningful career while navigating the unique challenges faced by women in high-pressure professions. A must-read for women in medicine and for anyone striving to lead with purpose, resilience, and compassion!”
— Dr. Tanuja Damani
Chief of Surgical Services, NYU Langone Health

“Dr. Sharona Ross’s journey may be unique but her insights and words of wisdom are not. Read carefully as they are hidden everywhere!”
— Patricia J. Numann, MD
Founder, The Association of Women Surgeons

“I still remember the first time I saw Dr. Sharona Ross. As a surgical resident, I looked across a sea of black suits and immediately noticed the woman who reminded me there wasn’t just one way to be a surgeon. At a time when many women felt pressure to assimilate into a traditionally male culture, Dr. Ross was unapologetically herself. I turned to my attending and asked, ‘Who … is that?’

Eventually, the woman I admired from across the room became a mentor, colleague, and friend. While her accomplishments are extraordinary, what has impressed me most is how intentionally Sharona has invested in others. She understands that success is measured not only by what we accomplish ourselves, but by those we inspire and elevate along the way. She has consistently championed women in surgery—not only by breaking barriers herself, but by creating opportunities for others to follow. Whether through founding the Women in Surgery Career Symposium, mentoring young surgeons, or simply opening doors for the next generation, she has always believed in sending the elevator back down.

What makes Sustainable Excellence so compelling is that it comes from someone who has experienced both the triumphs and the costs of relentless ambition. Following a life-altering accident, Dr. Ross was forced to confront questions few of us ever expect to face. The perspective that emerged from that experience is what makes this book so valuable. Rather than asking us to abandon ambition, she challenges us to redefine success and reminds us that excellence should be sustainable. She makes a compelling case that while sacrifice is often part of pursuing something extraordinary, it should never require sacrificing yourself.

For many of us, Dr. Ross was proof that women could lead, innovate, and excel at the highest levels of surgery without sacrificing their identity. With Sustainable Excellence, she offers something even more valuable: permission to believe that extraordinary achievement and a full, meaningful life are not mutually exclusive. If her example helped redefine what was possible for so many women in surgery, this book has the potential to redefine what is possible for the next generation.”
— Alisa M. Coker, MD, FACS
Associate Professor of Surgery and Director of Robotic Surgery and Education, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin

“Dr. Sharona Ross is a force of nature, a pioneer for women in medicine, and a powerful voice for redefining what success should look like. In Sustainable Excellence, she challenges the dangerous myth that achievement requires self-sacrifice and offers a deeply personal, practical, and inspiring model for building a life of impact without losing one’s health, purpose, or humanity. This is an essential read for women in medicine, leadership, and anyone striving to excel without breaking themselves in the process.”
— Dana Telem, MD, MPH
Lazar J. Greenfield Professor of Surgery; Professor & Chief, General Surgery; and Director, MSPC Core Optimization Hernia Registry, University of Michigan

SHARONA B. ROSS, MD, FACS, is a surgeon, professor, and medical leader based in Tampa, Florida.

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