Alex Evers, MD, former chair and current Henry E. Mallinckrodt Professor of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, has been selected to receive the prestigious 2024 FAER Mentoring Excellence in Research Award. Bestowed by the Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER), this accolade recognizes Evers’ unwavering dedication to mentorship and his substantial contributions to the field of anesthesiology.
The award is presented annually to an individual who has demonstrated a deep commitment to mentorship and made a lasting impact on the careers of their mentees. Evers has long exemplified these qualities, nurturing a generation of scientists and physician-scientists who consistently praise his thoughtfulness, generosity, and insightful guidance.
Wayland Cheng, MD, PhD, associate professor of anesthesiology at WashU Medicine and a former mentee of Dr. Evers, reflected on the significant influence of his mentor:
“Dr. Evers played a pivotal role in my development as a physician scientist. I received tremendous training and support from him in my research. But his mentorship extended far beyond my scientific work—he helped me navigate the challenges of starting my own lab, balancing research and clinical work, and being a mentor to my own trainees. I would not be where I am today without his mentorship, and I continue to benefit from his wisdom and support.”
Cheng’s reflections are echoed by many of Evers’ former mentees, who credit his mentorship for shaping their careers and fostering their success. His influence extends well beyond individual accomplishments, helping to cultivate a department recognized for its innovation and leadership in anesthesiology research and training. This enduring impact is a testament to the collaborative and forward-thinking environment Evers has nurtured over the years.
Michael S. Avidan, MBBCh, Dr. Seymour and Rose T. Brown Professor and head of the Department of Anesthesiology at WashU Medicine, further highlighted Dr. Evers’ profound influence on both individuals and the department as a whole. He emphasized not only Evers’ global stature in the field but also his unwavering dedication to mentoring and nurturing future leaders.
“Alex Evers is one of the most esteemed academic anesthesiologists internationally, and has had a tremendous impact on science, medicine, and anesthesiology. Although he has held numerous international leadership positions in medicine and anesthesiology, and is an elected member of the National Academy of Medicine of the National Academy of Sciences, his major passion and commitment have always been to contributing to the success of others, especially early stage scientists and physician scientists.”
“Of all his attributes, I most admire Dr. Evers as a mentor who has trained and inspired many of the top scientists and leaders in anesthesiology, and other fields,” Avidan continued. “Dr. Evers transformed WashU Medicine’s Department of Anesthesiology into a premier destination for all learners, including residents, fellows, SRNAs, ACNP students, as well as for faculty members. Under his leadership, the department became a center for innovation and training. This success was in large part attributable to the time, energy, resources, creativity, and selfless commitment that Dr. Evers has devoted to others.”
During Evers’ tenure as chair and in the years that followed, the department has significantly increased its prominence in research. A substantial number of FAER and International Anesthesiology Research Society (IARS) mentored research grant recipients have emerged from the department, reflecting Evers’ sustained commitment to fostering a supportive and thriving research environment.
Evers will be formally recognized at the American Society of Anesthesiologists Annual Meeting in Philadelphia, PA, on October 21, 2024. This moment will not only celebrate his individual achievements but also underscore the profound influence he has had on the future of anesthesiology.