Dr. Josh Ross reflects on 15 years of impact at the University of Wisconsin

Josh Ross stands with his arms crossed in front of the entrance to the American Family Children's Hospital
Joshua Ross, MD, is the chief medical officer for the American Family Children’s Hospital and UW Health Kids.

Celebrating 15 years as faculty at the University of Wisconsin–Madison this year, Dr. Josh Ross is proud to be a UW Health pediatric emergency medicine physician and passionate about advancing remarkable care for kids.

Ross is the chief medical officer of the American Family Children’s Hospital and UW Health Kids and a professor of emergency medicine and pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine and Public Health. He is also a compassionate clinician and a pragmatic optimist with a remarkable ability to build and lead dynamic teams. Whether in a board room or an emergency room, Ross is in his element.

Described by colleagues as an authentic and charismatic leader, Ross has been recognized as one of Madison’s “Top Doctors” and with prestigious honors, including the Ripple Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service from the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine in 2017, UW Health Physician Leadership Excellence Award in 2019, and induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society in 2020.

“Regardless of any accolades or praise,” Ross said, “I am humbled at the trust and confidence so many have placed in me that has allowed me to lead our healthcare teams while advancing the art and science of caring for our patients.”

Transforming Pediatric Emergency Care

When Ross first came to Madison in 2009, he aimed to make an impact. Working together with departmental and organizational leaders, Ross was instrumental in developing a pediatric emergency medicine program at UW Health and building it into a nationally recognized model for child-family centered care, especially for critically ill and injured patients. Under Ross’s stewardship, the Pediatric Emergency Department grew from a modest space into an 11-bed, Level I Pediatric Trauma Center offering specialized, 24/7 care.

“When I got here, pediatric emergency care was two rooms with soccer ball stickers,” Ross recalled. “The number of patients we see annually has more than tripled now, as has their severity. I am incredibly proud of our team’s successes in improving and expanding patient care.”

Collaboration has been a cornerstone of Ross’s leadership. By fostering interdisciplinary partnerships across clinical departments and programs, Ross helped to expand access to specialty services tailored for kids and families. He also leveraged health information technology to improve patient safety and communication, particularly for pediatric trauma patients, and supported the rollout of telehealth consultations to smaller emergency departments in the region to bring UW’s physician expertise to rural areas.

Ross’s impact extends globally. Between 2010 and 2012, he helped develop a pediatric emergency medicine fellowship program in Ethiopia and build a pediatric emergency department at Black Lion Hospital, working closely with local healthcare teams in Addis Ababa. “The opportunity to bridge continents was especially rewarding,” Ross reflected.

Raising the Bar for Emergency and Prehospital Care

Beyond pediatrics, Ross played a key role in expanding the BerbeeWalsh Emergency Department at University Hospital. The state-of-the-art facility now handles some of the region’s most serious emergent medical cases, thanks to advanced technology and expanded physical care space. Ross added that “Any advances we made were because of the significant efforts of multiple physicians and administrative support teams.”

Ross also guided the growth of UW Health Med Flight, helping to add a third helicopter and expand its capabilities for more complex missions, including advanced neonatal transport. The opening of an air base in Portage under his tenure has strengthened Med Flight’s relationship with regional healthcare providers, ensuring better coordination during life-saving interventions.

A Passion for Education and Mentoring

Ross’s passion for education was a driving force behind his decision to join UW–Madison. He helped establish the region’s first pediatric and emergency medicine simulation-based education programs and contributed to creating accredited EMS and emergency medicine simulation fellowships, fostering the next generation of leaders in emergency and prehospital care.

Mentoring also plays an important role in Ross’s career. As a leader, Ross believes in “paying it forward” by imparting some of what he has learned to faculty and trainees at all stages of their careers.

Navigating A Crisis

In 2019, Ross was named Executive Vice Chair for the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine, a role that thrust him into the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic. He worked tirelessly to protect both patients and staff, from securing personal protective equipment to developing tools for tracking local COVID-19 trends. “It was an honor and privilege to help lead our care teams through such unprecedented hardship,” Ross said.

As the pandemic subsided, Ross transitioned to his current role as chief medical officer for UW Health Kids. He now focuses on the broader landscape of pediatric care within the health system, leading initiatives to improve access, cultivate philanthropy, and optimize the quality of care at the American Family Children’s Hospital. Ross also prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively engaging in community initiatives, including supporting Afghan refugees during Operation Allies Welcome.

“Wisconsin is my home, and caring for my neighbors is deeply meaningful to me,” said Ross, a father of two. “I am grateful to get to do what I love in a place that values and supports that kind of connection.”

Looking Ahead

Dr. Ross’s contributions to pediatric healthcare in Wisconsin are undeniable, yet he remains forward focused and excited for the future. “We’ve built a strong foundation, and I’m confident we can continue to innovate and provide the best care possible for our children and families.”