Jerlinda Ross, MD

Dr. Jerlinda Ross is a gynecologic oncologist, health equity advocate, and leader in healthcare innovation. She earned her bachelor's degree in biology, with minors in chemistry and math, from Tuskegee University. She later obtained a master’s degree in genetic epidemiology and biostatistics from Washington University in St. Louis. Dr. Ross received her medical doctorate from Duke University School of Medicine, where she developed a passion for women’s health, health equity, and healthcare delivery. Following this, she completed her residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Indiana University School of Medicine and a clinical fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine. During her fellowship, she earned a Public Health Geographic Information Systems certificate to investigate the impact of neighborhood environments and socioeconomic status on cancer risk and treatment.

Dr. Ross made history as the first African American gynecologic oncologist in South Carolina, establishing a successful practice in a rural, underserved community. She has served as a clinician, population health scientist, and strategic leader at several institutions, including Penn Medicine Virtua Cancer Center, the Medical University of South Carolina, and Penn State Health. Additionally, she is a member of the Women’s Health Advisory Board for Becton, Dickinson, and Company (BD), one of the largest global medical technology firms.

Currently, Dr. Ross is the Chair of the Department of Health Systems Science at the Methodist University Cape Fear School of Medicine. She is focused on integrating health policy, economics, population health, quality, patient safety, and leadership into medical education. Her work addresses social determinants of health—such as transportation, socioeconomic status, hunger, and financial toxicity—to ensure equitable cancer care.

By combining her expertise in gynecologic oncology with a dedication to health equity, Dr. Ross is driving systemic change in healthcare. She recently completed an MBA at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business to enhance her ability to build sustainable, high-quality care models. Through her research, advocacy, and leadership, she is committed to transforming cancer care and women’s health, ultimately improving health outcomes for all patients.