William W. Cross III

Dr. William W. Cross III is a Professor in the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. He serves as Medical Director of Nassef Tower (8th and 9th floor) and has held significant leadership positions including Vice Chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery (2014-2021) and Chair of the Division of Community Orthopedic Surgery (2012-2018). His clinical practice focuses on Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery with expertise in trauma care, nonunion surgery, and sacroiliac joint fusions.

Dr. Cross earned his BA (Summa Cum Laude) in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from the University of St. Thomas in 2000, followed by his MD from the University of Minnesota Medical School in 2004. He completed his General Surgery Internship in 2005 and Orthopedic Surgery Residency in 2009, both at the University of Minnesota. He is board-certified in Orthopedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery since 2012.

His research focuses on orthopedic traumatology, with specific expertise in complex periarticular injuries, pelvic and acetabular fracture surgery, malunions, nonunions, sacroiliac joint fusions, and athletic pubalgia. Analysis of his recent publications (2021-2024) reveals a strong emphasis on hip fracture management techniques, sacroiliac joint disorders, and innovative approaches to fracture fixation, particularly examining outcomes of minimally invasive procedures and novel surgical techniques.

• Howard Rosen Teaching Award from AO Trauma AO North America Trauma (2014)
• Teacher of the Year Award Mayo Clinic Department of Orthopedic Surgery (2011)
• Richard C. Horns Memorial Award University of Minnesota (2004)
• Scholarship Award Park Nicollet (2003)

Dr. Cross maintains active leadership roles in multiple professional organizations including Treasurer of the Mid American Orthopedic Association (2023-present), Committee Member of the Trauma Program Committee at the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (2022-2028), and Active Member of the Sacroiliac Medical Experts Group (SIMEG) since 2016. His extensive committee service across various orthopedic associations demonstrates his commitment to advancing the field through professional collaboration and standard setting.