Congratulations to Will Ross, MD, MPH, Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine, Nephrology, and Associate Dean for Diversity at Washington University School of Medicine, who was honored with the National Kidney Foundation’s (NKF) Award of Excellence at their 75th Anniversary Heroes Awards celebration on March 5, 2026. The event recognized individuals who have made outstanding contributions to kidney health, patient advocacy, and community impact.
A nephrologist and public health epidemiologist, Dr. Ross has devoted his career to eliminating health‑care disparities in the U.S. and abroad and to increasing diversity within the medical profession. He has been a driving force behind forward‑thinking medical school pipeline programs that support students from underserved neighborhoods in St. Louis who aspire to careers in health care. One standout initiative is the Collegiate School of Medicine and Bioscience, a four‑year public magnet high school focused on science and math that attracts students from backgrounds historically underrepresented in medicine.
This is quite an honor to be so recognized from the NKF and our esteemed division.
Will Ross, MD, MPH
Dr. Ross’s leadership and advocacy have been widely recognized. He was honored with the 2024 Louis W. Sullivan, MD, Award from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). In 2023, he received the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award, sponsored by the St. Louis County Library, and in 2022 he was named Person of the Year by The St. Louis American, the region’s leading voice for the African‑American community.
WashU Nephrology is proud to celebrate this well‑deserved honor and grateful for Dr. Ross’s continued leadership, mentorship, and service.
Discover more about Dr. Will Ross’s many accomplishments in our WashU Nephrology News articles:
- Dr. Will Ross Joins FOX2Now and “I Am St. Louis” Spotlight on Homer G. Phillips Hospital
- Nephrologist Will Ross Honored by Association of American Medical Colleges
- Will Ross to Receive Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award
- Special Medical Grand Rounds Welcomes Lecturer Robert Hoover and Celebrates Will Ross’ Career with Portrait
- Nephrologist Will Ross Inducted into Society of Academic Continuing Medical Education’s Academy of Fellows
- Nephrologist Will Ross Honored as Alumni Endowed Professor of Medicine
(Feature image credit: Matt Miller)
