Ross fights COVID-19 from ‘a broader perspective’

As someone who grew up in Decatur, Tenn., Dr. Pamela Ross describes herself as “a small-town girl with big dreams.”

“I wanted to go to a school that was big enough to give me access to the rest of the world, but small enough to make me feel like a person and not just a number,” she said.

The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga was a perfect fit.

“I did not have to go far away to have a top tier, outstanding college experience,” said Ross, now a physician who is board certified in both emergency medicine and pediatric emergency medicine.

The 2020 Distinguished Alumni Winner in the annual Legends and Leaders, Ross earned a degree in chemistry from UTC in 1987 and, after 17 years in academic medicine, she launched her own business focused on two areas: Traveling as an independent contractor in emergency medicine and personal, concierge holistic medical consulting.

With the education she received at UTC and medical school, she is actively engaged in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic “from a broader perspective.”

“From making sure health care workers have adequate personal protective equipment to pandemic public education and personal telehealth consulting to give patients access to real physicians who care and can help them navigate their journeys to optimal health,” she explained.

“As we continue to navigate a pandemic that also prevents us from gathering together to celebrate the occasion of this award, most important to me is that we keep safe, stay optimistic and maintain attitudes of gratitude.  We are all in this together. One day at a time.”

Much of her determination and resolve was developed during her time at UTC, which she described as “among my best memories.”

“I am very grateful that my path in life included time well-lived at UTC,” she said. “I met many of my best friends in life as a result of attending UTC. I also remember faculty and staff of the institution who were very supportive of the students. I loved my dorm. I loved the people I had the opportunity to study with and learn from. And I loved the energy that UTC put into making it a great place to be.

“It’s one of those times in my life where if someone asked, ‘Would you do it again?’ my answer would be an unequivocal ‘Yes.’”