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Chris Evers experienced a long journey in medical school but was influenced by others in his field and ultimately found his calling when he chose to become an anesthesiologist.

“I tended to grave toward the areas of medicine that had the opportunity for patient interaction and allowed me to work with my hands. I have also always enjoyed applying math and psychics to the systems of the human body, which anesthesiologists do daily. I remember a particular case where the anesthesiologist saved a patient’s life through his quick thinking and actions. I knew from that moment it was the specialty for me. I get to make a difference every day and often save lives,” Evers said.

He graduated from Straughn High School in 2014 and Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Science in 2018. Evers received his MD from the University of South Alabama in 2022. He currently serves as an anesthesiology resident at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville.

“While people often think of anesthesiologists as working during surgery, we are also responsible for keeping patients safe and comfortable before and after surgery. An anesthesiologist is also responsible for making sure a patient is healthy enough to safely have surgery in the first place.”

According to Evers, examining or preparing a patient for an anesthetic requires a process. “This typically involves completing a thorough physical exam, getting a good medical history, and preparing the medications we will administer.”

Problems may occasionally arise on the surgery table and cause stress.

“While unexpected things can and do happen, it is most important for physicians to remain calm, survey the situation, and respond quickly. It is also important to never hesitate to ask for help. Anesthesiologists, surgeons, and other operating room staff are always working together to solve problems, and patient safety is our number one priority. Relying on your teammates makes taking on unexpected problems much more manageable,” he said.

Evers added that he takes care of his patients if they feel nervous about their surgery.

“I think that sharing your plan for anesthesia and allowing the patient to voice their concerns goes a long way in building trust. Patients and their loved ones are placing their trust in me during a stressful and anxious time. It is completely normal to be nervous before surgery, and I always do my best to let patients know that I will be with them every step of the way.”

One of the most important jobs for anesthesiologists is setting up a patient for a successful recovery. “This involves getting their medications in order, letting the patient know what to expect after surgery, achieving good pain control, and having the patient’s family on board in getting them back on their feet,” Evers said.

He faces obstacles like any other job but is thankful to serve as an anesthesiologist.

“I am grateful every day to make a positive impact on my patients’ and their families’ lives. They put their trust in me, and that is an amazing privilege. The patients are the best part of my job, and they are the ones that my job so special. As anesthesiologists, we must always expect the unexpected. Always remaining vigilant and being prepared for those unexpected moments is probably the most challenging part of my job.”

Evers described his daily routine at work and must be ready for the day around 4 a.m.

“We start our day by preparing the ORs, which includes checking all our medications and equipment. Next, we go out to see our patients that morning. We talk to them about the anesthetic plan and what they can expect before and after surgery. Then, we get the patients into surgery and monitor them throughout their procedures. Finally, we take the patients to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where they can recover,” he said.

Having the support of his family, friends, and coworkers makes a difference. “There’s no denying that my job can be stressful at times. Having people who believe in me encourages me to work hard to be the best I can be both as a person and a physician. I work with an amazing group of people at UT, and we are always there for each other.”

Evers expressed his appreciation to many individuals throughout his journey.

“I would like to thank the teachers and staff at Straughn High School who prepared me for my time at Auburn and South Alabama. Their dedicated efforts prepared me for the academic challenges of medical school. I would also be remiss not to mention my gratitude to the Covington County medical community who started me in my career as a physician. Dr. Tim Day, Dr. James Barton, Dr. David McCalman, Dr. Parrish King, Jeff Bailey, CRNA Chris Blatz, and CRNA Willie Furr are some of the medical professionals I will always be grateful to for getting me started on this path.”

He is the son of John and Astrid Evers with a younger brother, Caleb.

For more information about the University of Tennessee’s Residency Program in the Graduate School of Medicine call 865-305-9290.

“For any young men or women in Covington County who are interested in the medical field, there are great opportunities right here in our community,” Evers said.