Alex S. Evers, MD

Alex S. Evers, MD, the Henry E. Mallinckrodt Professor and chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, is highly esteemed as a leading anesthesiology physician-scientist, educator and visionary leader.

Now in his 22nd year as department chair, Evers’ dedication and foresight have been instrumental in establishing a flourishing clinical and research environment, colleagues say. He established three collaborative research divisions and spearheaded their growth in both basic and clinical investigations. During his tenure as chair, department research funding has grown 551 percent, placing it among the nation’s top two anesthesiology departments.

The field’s leading journal, Anesthesiology, recently dedicated an entire issue to the Washington University Department of Anesthesiology entitled “Pioneers in Academic Anesthesiology — Washington University.” The unprecedented publication demonstrates Evers’ impact on his department and his field.

In his own research, Evers, also a professor of medicine and of developmental biology, has focused on the mechanism of anesthetic action, in particular anesthetic neurosteroids. His work has been a key part of a multi-departmental National Institutes of Health (NIH) program project grant for 21 years. He also was instrumental in creating the Washington University Pain Center and the Center for the Study of Itch, both dedicated to multidisciplinary translational research.

Within his department and across the School of Medicine, Evers also has fostered a culture of excellence in clinical care conducted in partnership with research, engendering an atmosphere of mutual respect among the department’s clinicians and scientists. Also a dedicated mentor, Evers has trained numerous scientists and clinicians who have gone on to be leaders and chairs at prominent institutions in the United States and beyond.

Beyond Washington University, Evers has held leadership positions with the Association of University Anesthesiologists and the International Anesthesia Research Society. He is a member of the Institute of Medicine and has been listed in Best Doctors in America since 2008.

Evers earned his bachelor’s degree from Yale University in 1974 and his medical degree from New York University in 1978, then completed postgraduate medical training at Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. He was a research fellow at Washington University before joining the faculty in 1983.

The Washington University Medical Center Alumni Association is pleased to present its Faculty Achievement Award to Dr. Evers.