ZigOn Qualities of Success
Dr. William "Bill" Ross was truly one of a kind and was known for his sense of humor and his zest for life. He had exuberance for living, a love for medicine, and a concern for his patients that is seldom equaled anywhere. . . .
He was elected president of the Texas Medical Association in 1981 and received numerous honors and recognition. He received his undergraduate degree from Stephen F. Austin University and worked his way through the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas by selling watermelons. He interned at Parkland Memorial Hospital and later moved to San Benito, Texas. When he arrived, Dr. Ross was told there was not room for another doctor, but he chose not to take their advice to move on. He built his practice in a simple but effective way. On house calls he would deliberately go to the incorrect house to the right side of the correct address and introduce himself. They told him where the correct house was but he repeated the process at the house to the left of the correct one. Three months later he had a thriving practice.
Dr. Ross helped build the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School at Dallas into a premier training ground for family practitioners. However, he is well remembered for his first day on the job. He arrived at the school wearing overalls and driving a pickup truck. Later he said it was like "two culture shocks-theirs and mine." However, behind that "country" demeanor was a brilliant mind and a commitment to medicine, wrapped up in a love for his fellow man, which made him a standout in the medical world. Come to think about it, the qualities I just identified will be useful to anyone, whatever their profession. Think about it and I'll SEE YOU AT THE TOP!
