My name is Clifford Ross and I am currently working as a postdoctoral scholar on the HEAL project at Vanderbilt University. I received my PhD in medical sociology from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in August 2024, and previously earned an undergraduate degree in sociology from Boise State University. My research examines the ways in which large structural institutions influence individual-level health and well-being outcomes, with particular emphasis on the role of the individual's social and physical environment.

My work generally focuses on medical sociology and related areas, with an emphasis on the ways that systems of social stratification (the labor market, family formation, and healthcare access) create and perpetuate health disparities across the life course.

Health Disparities in Later Life:

My recent work examines racial disparities in end-of-life care, specifically investigating whether policy interventions (i.e., improving access to hospice care and/or end-of-life planning) can help address inequalities in older adults' healthcare experiences.

Labor and Health:

Using sequence analysis approaches, my dissertation utilized 40 years of labor force data to understand how sociodemographic factors (race, gender, and motherhood) shape working histories and influence midlife health. I've also published work examining the relationship between sustained union membership and gendered health patterns. Additionally, I'm working on projects that explore sociodemographic differences in economic outcomes related to union membership tenure.

I've also contributed to research on women's childbearing experiences and how the timing and wantedness of births influence health. I've also worked on projects looking at the influence of certain social factors and the effectiveness of modern cystic fibrosis therapies.

I also have work (currently R&R) examining the ways that early unintended childbearing can influence later life economic outcomes.

Generally, my work uses quantitative methods and longitudinal data analysis with a life course approach.