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Locals 2007

Locals 2007 - a celebration of our favorite personalities.

Steamboat Springs — "Sleeping Bear Pediatrics" is more than just a catchy name.

Dr. Steve Ross, M.D., said he named his Anglers Drive practice after a problem he helps many local youths overcome.

"There are a lot of children who have trouble sleeping," Ross said. "Technology is a big problem - one of our first moves is to get the TV out of the kid's room. That's one of the leading causes of sleep disorders."

Upon meeting Ross, it's easy to see why he is good with children. The friendly pediatrician has bright eyes, a contagious laugh and a penchant for neckties designed with kid-friendly artwork.

"We've got Snoopy and all that stuff," Ross said, pointing out a rack of colorful ties behind the door of his office. "It makes the kids feel more comfortable."

Ross, a six-year Steamboat Springs resident and self-proclaimed "soccer dad" of two young daughters, said he treats much more than sleep disorders.

"The two biggest needs I've seen in Steamboat are bigger outreach efforts to pre-natal couples and teenagers," Ross said. "In many cases in this community, couples only decide they need a baby doctor after the baby is born."

Ross said local teenagers often have unaddressed issues related to hormone changes, growing bodies and peer pressure.

"We need to let the teenagers and pregnant couples know that we're here for them," Ross said.

When he's not in the office, Ross said he spends time with his wife, Bridget, on the slopes at Steamboat Ski Area and hiking in the Fish Creek Falls area.

He is also working on his first novel, a work of historical fiction set in the Middle East from 1096 to 1099.

But helping children heal is his true passion.

"Of all the (medical) specialties I could have gone into," Ross said, "pediatrics just felt right."