Noted Mercy Gastroenterologist Dr. Raymond Cross Named 2025 Medical Champion Award Recipient by the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s DC/Maryland/Virginia (DMV) chapter has named Raymond K. Cross, Jr., M.D., MS, AGAF, FACG—medical director of The Center for Inflammatory Bowel and Colorectal Diseases, which is part of The Melissa L. Posner Institute for Digestive Health and Liver Disease at Mercy—as its 2025 Medical Champion of Hope Award honoree. Dr. Cross will be recognized at the Foundation’s Maryland Night of Champions gala on Friday, October 17, 2025.

The Medical Champion of Hope Award honors a physician whose dedication and leadership have made a lasting impact on the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) community and advanced the Foundation’s mission to find cures and improve lives.

A board-certified gastroenterologist, Dr. Cross has dedicated his career to caring for patients with Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and other complex bowel disorders. At Mercy, he leads one of the region’s premier programs for IBD treatment and research, offering advanced diagnostic and therapeutic options—including endoscopic procedures, cancer surveillance and biologic and small molecule therapy management.

Dr. Cross has authored more than 200 peer-reviewed publications and has received research funding from the Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG). He has served in multiple national leadership roles for the Foundation, including past chair of its Clinical Research Alliance and Patient Education Committee, and currently as research and investigator lead for SPARC IBD. He is the governor of Maryland for the American College of Gastroenterology and scientific co-director of the CorEvitas Registry.

“It is a profound honor to receive the Medical Champion of Hope Award,” Dr. Cross said. “My goal has always been to advance care and research while supporting patients and families living with Crohn’s and colitis. This recognition reflects the collective effort of the outstanding team members and other providers at our Center and an extraordinary IBD community.”

“Dr. Cross embodies Mercy’s commitment to excellence, compassion and innovation,” said David N. Maine, M.D., President and CEO of Mercy Health Services. “His leadership has transformed IBD care at Mercy, and his work continues to improve outcomes for patients in Maryland and beyond.”

The Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation’s DMV chapter supports research, education and patient programs throughout Maryland, Washington, D.C. and Virginia. The Night of Champions celebrates those who advance the Foundation’s mission and inspire hope for those affected by IBD.