At work as a radiology sonographer during the day, he uses high-tech ultrasound equipment to make diagnostic scans of the abdomens of patients. But at home, he uses his computer only for basic tasks, such as receiving e-mail. He prefers to spend his time collecting 16mm copies of vintage movies by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton and Laurel and Hardy, as well as being a model railroader.

Yet, there is one way in which Gross is unwavering: his dedication to his patients and his job. Take, for instance, last fall, when the staff of three sonographers unexpectedly became a staff of one.

“Two sonographers left, leaving Dan to be the sole person,” says Karen Strong, radiology supervisor. “He took calls for six straight weeks. He worked every day without a day off until we hired two new people. He got called in an average of three or four times a week, sometimes three of four times a day. He had to cancel some of his vacation. He did his job very well and never complained once. I would say he went well above and beyond the call of duty.”

Gross transferred to SLU Hospital from Compton Heights Hospital. Marsha Forrest, radiology supervisor, has known him since 1981, when they worked together at Compton Heights Hospital. She knows firsthand how Gross consistently works to put his patients at ease.

“He pays very close attention to details in his patients,” Forrest says. “Even when he is pressed for time, he always takes time to talk to his patients and explain everything that he is doing, which makes them much more informed and relaxed. He is very professional and respectful. He definitely doesn’t do anything unless he informs them what he is doing.” In other words, he treats patients as he would like to be treated.

“I’ve been in hospitals myself in the past for one thing or the other,” Gross says. “Some members of my family have been very ill, and my mother passed away in 1994 from breast cancer. So I can empathize.”

Gross, who has been doing ultrasound procedures since Incarnate Word Hospital (later named Compton Heights Hospital) purchased its first machine in 1975, is a registered diagnostic medical sonographer and registered in radiography. He is currently preparing for the vascular exam boards.

“I’ve always been interested in medicine and paramedical areas. It has just been an instinct with me since I was little. The equipment and technology have always interested me,” he says.

But outside of work, Gross is all low-tech. He began collecting Lionel trains and accessories when his son was a baby in 1979. He has a variety of post-war trains from 1946-1969, as well as some from 1970 to the present.

Gross also has an extensive collection of 16mm films and equipment at home. He used to belong to the Saturday Night Screen Room, a club of like-minded vintage movie enthusiasts. The group met weekly to show feature films, shorts, cartoon and old educational movies.

Gross and his wife will celebrate their 25^th wedding anniversary this February. Their son, now 22, still enjoys model railroading with his father. Their daughter, 16, is active in the dramatic arts at Rosati Cain High School.

Known at work for his dry sense of humor, Gross likes to quote Charlie Chaplin, who once said, “Life is a tragedy in close up but a comedy in a long shot.”

“I try to remember that. And to keep everything in perspective,” he says.