Dr. Sharona Ross, a nationally respected surgeon, experienced a profound personal and professional transformation following a severe bicycle accident on June 1 that left her with multiple fractures and three weeks of unconsciousness. The incident, which she does not remember, shifted her focus from mere survival to examining the unsustainable pressures faced by women in demanding fields like medicine.
The accident resulted in emergency treatment in St. Petersburg before transfer to the Tampa General Hospital (TGH) Neurosurgery ICU, followed by nearly 10 days there and subsequent inpatient rehabilitation at Shepherd Center in Atlanta. Dr. Ross recalls that during recovery she could barely walk, and her memory only returned to the day before the incident, with no recollection of the accident itself or her hospital transports. This experience revealed what she describes as a widespread pattern of self-neglect among career-driven women who normalize exhaustion and treat overlooking personal health as professionalism.
"I neglected myself," Dr. Ross stated. "Not out of shame, out of habit. Women in high-pressure professions do that. We carry everything. We push through. And somewhere along the way, we forget ourselves." Her realization has evolved into a commitment to speak honestly about what she calls "the invisible cost of excellence" and to help women protect their health before crisis intervenes. This mission extends beyond her surgical practice to an upcoming book focused on helping women safeguard physical and emotional well-being without guilt or apology.
Dr. Ross will share her insights at the 16th Annual International Women in Surgery Career Symposium, taking place February 6–7, 2026, at the Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach in Florida. The symposium, founded to encourage more women to pursue and thrive in surgery, serves as a vital space for mentorship and professional development. More information is available through the official Women in Surgery website.
"The accident didn't pull me off my path," Dr. Ross explained. "It sharpened it. It reminded me that women don't need to survive alone at the top. We need to lift one another, make room for each other, and protect our health along the way." Her approach represents a shift in professional culture that acknowledges limits while maintaining excellence, allowing vulnerability while preserving authority. In a field that often rewards stoicism, Dr. Ross advocates for a more sustainable form of leadership grounded in purpose and mutual support.
This story matters because it highlights systemic issues affecting women in high-stakes professions worldwide. The normalization of self-neglect has implications for burnout rates, career longevity, and healthcare quality. Dr. Ross's transformation from patient to advocate demonstrates how personal crisis can catalyze broader cultural change, offering a model for balancing ambition with well-being. Her upcoming book and symposium participation provide concrete platforms for addressing these challenges, potentially influencing workplace policies and individual practices across demanding industries.
