KIRSTEN
ROSS
SPINE, NEUROMUSCULAR, AND CONGENITAL SPECIALIST + GENERAL PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS
SAY HELLO TO
DR. ROSS
Taking care of children is a privilege that I will never take for granted. My role is to educate both parents and children so we can come up with a treatment plan together that is personalized to each family’s goals because they know their child best!
This is something that takes time and good communication, and I really enjoy sitting down and getting to know my patient's families, each child’s likes and dislikes, and even what pets they have at home. I know I’ve done my job when kids can be silly and allow their personalities to shine during our visit!
MEET
DR. ROSS
street cred
Undergrad
University of Rochester
Med School
Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University
Internship
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Residency
Vanderbilt University Medical Center
Fellowship
Boston Children’s Hospital
Professional Societies
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American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) - Member
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Pediatric Orthopaedic Society of North America (POSNA) – Candidate Active Member
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America Orthopaedic Association (AOA) - Member of Emerging Leaders Program
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Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society (RJOS)
Committees
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POSNA Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Committee
Leadership + Service
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Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Surgery Administrative Chief Resident
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American Orthopaedic Association (AOA) Resident Leadership Forum
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Vanderbilt Orthopaedic Surgery Intern Skills Course Instructor
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SKMC DePalma Orthopaedic Society President & Student Admissions Coordinator
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Sigma Delta Tau Sorority, Chapter President
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University of Rochester Varsity Women’s Soccer Team Captain
Honors + Awards
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Kathy Cramer Resident Research Award
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2nd place in Top Gun Skills Competition at IPOS annual meeting
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Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Medical Society
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SKMC Dean’s Summer Research Fellowship
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Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
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Keidaean Senior Honor Society
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Garnish Scholar-Athlete Award
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University of Rochester’s Provost’s Circle Scholar
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German Academic Exchange Service Research in Science and Engineering Summer Fellowship
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NCAA Division III Academic All-Region Honors
OFF THE RECORD
FUN FACT
Even though I’ve spent the last 15 years of my life living in cities, I grew up in a small town in Pennsylvania and am a farm girl at heart. (I had a Shetland pony named Teddy growing up!) Because of all the different types of places I have lived, I really enjoy taking care of children from all different walks of life. I will work with you to personalize your child’s treatment plan to best fit your family’s needs.
WHAT ARE YOU FAMOUS FOR AT CTPO?
I am very proud of my carefully curated O.R. music playlist but am always looking for suggestions. If there is a specific artist or song your child loves, please tell me so I can play it for them on the day of surgery! Especially if it is Taylor Swift - I am one of her biggest fans!
FAVORITE THING TO DO OUTSIDE OF WORK
I enjoy reading, yoga, soccer, listening to music and going to concerts, snowboarding, and going on hikes with my rescue dog, Gunnar. If I wasn’t a doctor, I would want to be a food critic. I love trying new restaurants and am really looking forward to exploring the Austin food scene!
FAVORITE TIP FOR PARENTS
Getting a diagnosis of scoliosis, especially for a teenage girl, can initially be very scary because you and your child do not know what to expect. I will take the time to explain everything and help to ease your fears, but sometimes the best advice comes from others who have gone through the same thing. If your child is going through a bracing program or needs surgery, I highly recommend scoliosis peer-to-peer support groups! These communities are invaluable for helping to educate, giving tips, and making friends with people that know what you are going through!
HEARTWARMING MOMENT
I love taking care of kids with fractures and helping them to get back to just being kids. Recently, I saw a very shy child with an arm fracture in clinic and took off his cast. He didn’t say much to me during the visit, and I could tell he was nervous. As he and his mom were walking down the hall to leave, he turned around, ran back to me, and gave me the biggest hug. These are the moments that we live for as physicians and will always bring a smile to my face.
SUBSPECIALTY FOCUS
My subspecialty interests include pediatric spinal deformity of all types, including idiopathic, neuromuscular, and congenital. I also really enjoy taking care of many different kinds of fractures and common musculoskeletal injuries.