General Surgery Resident, Dr. Abby Gross, Named GL-1 Award Recipient

Abby Gross, MD, General Surgery, says she was “very honored and surprised” to be named the 2022 recipient of the Cleveland Clinic Alumni Association’s Graduate Level-One Award. The award recognizes clinical excellence/knowledge, interpersonal communication skills, character and unique accomplishments.

Dr. Gross earned her medical degree at Case Western Reserve University after graduating from the University of Minnesota. “I chose general surgery because I liked being able to focus on fixing a problem. Most of the time, when you go to the OR, patients get better,” she says. “It combined my interest in science and my desire to help people, and also to be part of a bigger social mission.”

Dr. Gross, who is the first doctor in her family, became familiar with Cleveland Clinic during her rotations as a medical student and says that one of her mentors was Jeremy Lipman, MD (CRS’10), then the Program Director of the General Surgery Residency. “I enjoyed my time working with him when I was at Case, too. I thought he produced good surgeons, and the residents liked him.”

Dr. Gross praises her colleagues, as well. “I have great co-residents. I really enjoy the people I work with, including the staff. You get to work with some of the best. They are experts who have pioneered techniques, are well-known in their field and are interested in teaching.”

Her main career goal is to become a skilled surgeon. “After I graduate, I want to provide excellent patient care,” she says. “Cleveland Clinic is a great place to build connections and to get involved in the academic side of medicine.”