Top Docs: Andrew Ross, M.D.
Virginia Mason Medical Center
By Seattle Mag August 8, 2024
Dr. Andrew Ross, Vice President and Chief Clinical Officer, gastroenterologist, has been named one of Seattle magazine’s Top Doctors for 2024.
Questions & Answers:
Why did you pick your specialty?
I have the opportunity to combine complex disease management with complex procedural-based care (using scopes in surgeries and procedures). The patients, disease processes, technology and constant innovation keep me engaged and loving my work.
What do you wish people knew about your specialty?
It is more than just poop. There is an opportunity to impact significant problems that everyday people have in a minimally invasive fashion. In my line of work, you can make a big difference in someone’s life without the need for a major surgery. Did you know that a gastroenterologist can remove a stomach cancer with a scope and can remove gallstones through your mouth? The list goes on.
How do you support patients with their mental health concerns?
While my patients don’t often come to me directly with mental health concerns, I know we have a team ready should they need it. More so, it’s incredibly important to acknowledge how much physical health impacts mental health and vice versa, and being open to having that conversation if I see a need.
How is technology changing health care?
Technology is changing health care in so many ways. There is a significant movement to minimally invasive procedures — this is so integral to my work. AI is aiding in diagnosis, and maybe one day it will be in therapy. We are also getting even better at individualizing: no one size fits all, and it shouldn’t in health care.
What’s the most important healthy habit for a patient?
We always say the same thing: Do your best to maintain a healthy diet, keep up your exercise, and avoid tobacco and alcohol, but there is a reason. There are so many diseases that are directly related to just those four things.
What questions do you wish patients would ask?
Ask more questions about prevention and discuss realistic expectations for outcomes. Everyone wants to come back to baseline. As providers, sometimes we can get you all the way there, and sometimes it’s part of the way. The most important part is all being on the same page and having that open dialogue.
What do you do for your own personal wellness?
I spend a lot of time with my wife and kids. I exercise to stay active, and I watch a ton of sports to have that downtime when I can completely relax and disconnect.
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