October News

The Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award is given to a local gentleman who has made a difference in the treatment and/or support of cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas. Michael J. Cross, M.D., F.A.C.S. is our 2017 Gentleman of Distinction Award Recipient. 

Dr. Cross is a surgical oncologist focusing on the diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer and is board certified by the American Board of Surgery. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. His medical degree is from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. He completed a fellowship in surgical oncology of the breast at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas. He also completed a five-year surgical residency program at Baylor Scott & White Hospital in Temple, Texas.

He is the Surgical Director of the Arkansas Breast Cancer Specialists, which recently received a three-year accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (awarded under the direction of the American College of Surgeons). Dr. Cross also serves as a Co-Director of the School of Oncoplastic Surgery (“SOS”) together with Gail Lebovic, M.D. Founder and Director of the SOS. Locally, Dr. Cross has served on numerous committees and boards for various breast cancer foundations and institutes and was previously appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee to the Oversight Committee for Breast Cancer Research in the State.

Dr. Cross is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, an active member of the American Society of Breast Surgeons, past Board Member for the American Society of Breast Disease, and has held past positions with the former American College of Surgeons Oncology Group. He previously taught as an instructor for the American College of Surgeons Breast Ultrasound Division and has been certified in Breast Ultrasound since 2003 by the American Society of Breast Surgeons.

Dr. Cross is currently one of the leading researchers pioneering the use of the BioZorb® device in the treatment of early stage breast cancer. He has written and co-written numerous articles for peer reviewed journals on issues pertaining to his practice. He has been a principle investigator for several clinical trials.

Dr. Cross was born and raised in Arkansas. He has spent his medical career researching breast cancer and educating surgeons and other medical professionals on breast cancer treatment practices. 

Outstanding in his care for cancer patients. Always a gentleman. We are proud to present the 2017 Bill Fleeman Gentleman of Distinction Award to Dr. Michael Cross.