Sara Cross, MD, Chief of Infectious Diseases and Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

Name: Sara Cross

Hometown: Park Hills, MO

Graduation year: 1999

Major: Biology

Sorority: Kappa Alpha Theta

What other degrees have you earned?

M.D. from the University of Missouri-Columbia

Please list your titles and describe you current work.

Associate Professor of Medicine and Medical Education, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at University of Tennessee Health Sciences Center; President of the Medical Staff, Chief of Infectious Diseases, and director of the HIV clinic at Regional One Hospital. I am a physician and work as a clinician-educator. I specialize in infectious diseases. I have an HIV clinic and general infectious diseases clinic and also work in the hospital taking care of hospitalized patients. I currently serve as the president of the medical staff, also.

I also work for the University of Tennessee School of Medicine and teach the first- and second-year medical students. I serve as the Assistant Dean of Student Affairs and assist students in residency applications and mentor them throughout their four years of medical school.

What are your future goals?

More of the same! I love my current job. I love taking care of patients and teaching students.

In terms of your professional life, what would you say is your overarching purpose today?

To improve the health of the Memphis community, educate my patients and educate and mentor medical students so that they will be successful physicians.

Did your liberal arts education allow you to uncover particular passions that you’ve carried into your career?

I think that Westminster really fostered my curiosity for other cultures and ways of life through my liberal arts education. I remember Dr. Young’s World Religions class, and it just made me want to travel and experience other cultures. I joined the Peace Corps after college and lived in West Africa for three years, which changed my life. It was the most amazing three years of my life. I feel that Westminster gave me the confidence to join the Peace Corps and also the passion to help others. I always knew I wanted to be a physician, but after the Peace Corps, I knew I wanted to help the underserved and indigent populations. I chose infectious diseases, specifically HIV, as a specialty to do just this.

What does being a “leader” mean to you?

Being a leader to me means doing the best I can do at my job and giving 100 percent every day and serving as an example to others. If I show dedication and passion, then others will follow my lead.

What does success mean to you?

Success to me means happiness in all areas of life.

What is it about Westminster that makes it the kind of community that empowers students to discover their purpose and find success?

I think that Westminster encouraged self-expression and self-discovery. Even though Westminster is a small college, it really opened my eyes to the endless opportunities out there, including career choices and volunteer activities. I feel that I am a successful physician and philanthropist today because of Westminster.

Do you recommend Westminster to prospective college students?

Absolutely. I think Westminster offers a well-rounded education while also providing a wonderful environment for growth as a person.

Favorite Westminster faculty member? 

There are so many!  I would have to say Dr. Amspoker and Dean Kirby were at the top of the list.

Favorite spot on campus?

Coulter Science center

Last book you read?

Becoming by Michelle Obama

Favorite TV shows?

Family Guy, Seinfeld, Naked and Afraid, 90-day fiancé, Survivor … The list goes on, haha!

Favorite app?

Amazon

Favorite way to spend a Sunday?

Lying on the couch watching sports.