Dr. John E. Cross is a board-certified physician in Occupational and Environmental Medicine with over two decades of experience spanning military, academic, and civilian healthcare settings. A retired U.S. Navy physician, he has combined clinical expertise with strong leadership in both operational and occupational medicine.

Dr. Cross earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology, magna cum laude, from East Tennessee State University in 1994, followed by his Doctor of Medicine from the James H. Quillen College of Medicine in 1998. He completed his transitional internship at Naval Medical Center San Diego in 2000 and later pursued residency training in Occupational and Environmental Medicine at the University of California, Irvine (2008–2010). During this time, he also earned a Master of Science in Environmental Toxicology.

From 1998 to 2013, Dr. Cross served as a U.S. Navy physician in diverse leadership roles, including assignments with Marine Air Control Group 38, the largest U.S. Marine Squadron at Miramar, and the Occupational Health Clinic at Robert E. Bush Naval Hospital in Twentynine Palms, one of the nation’s largest live-fire bases. He deployed to Iraq (2006) and Afghanistan (2012) in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. His military career was recognized with multiple commendations, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal.

Following his retirement from active duty in June 2013, Dr. Cross transitioned to civilian practice as Managing Physician and Medical Director of U.S. HealthWorks in Oceanside, California. Under his leadership, the clinic achieved over 40% year-to-year growth and the highest profit margins in more than a decade. Since 2017, he has served as Associate Physician Diplomate for Occupational and Environmental Medicine at UC San Diego Health, where he continues to provide comprehensive care to employees and patients, with a focus on workplace safety, compliance, and preventive medicine.

Dr. Cross maintains active certification in Occupational Medicine (through 2032) and licensure in California. His professional memberships include the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, the Western Occupational and Environmental Medical Association, and the Military Occupational and Environmental Medical Association.