A Conversation with Dr. Chris Endfinger, ER Physician and Family Man

Dr. Chris Endfinger is a seasoned Emergency Room physician with over 28 years of experience serving hospitals across Alabama. A graduate of UAB Medical School (1993), he completed his Family Practice residency at UAB in 1996, where he was named Intern of the Year and served as Chief Resident. He also held the role of ER Director at Gadsden Regional Hospital from 2004 to 2007. Known for his calm under pressure and commitment to patient-centered care, Dr. Endfinger blends clinical excellence with deep compassion.

Raised by a hospital social worker mother and a small business-owner father, Chris was inspired early on by the values of service and hard work. He studied Biochemistry at David Lipscomb University, minoring in Math and French. Outside of medicine, he enjoys playing guitar, reading, and staying active at the gym. A devoted husband to Amanda for 33 years, Chris is the proud father of two accomplished children and a grandfather to one.

An active member of CrossBridge Church of Christ, Chris Endfinger has participated in medical missions to Honduras, continuing his lifelong commitment to healing and service. With grace, humility, and leadership, he remains a cornerstone in his field and community.

What first drew you to medicine, and specifically to emergency care? 

Growing up, I had the unique blend of a mother who worked as a hospital social worker and a father who ran a small machine part manufacturing company. That combination taught me the value of both compassion and precision. From an early age, I saw how healthcare could touch lives in critical moments, and I wanted to be part of that. Emergency medicine appealed to me because of its intensity—every shift, you’re walking into the unknown. It forces you to be present, adaptable, and deeply committed. I thrive in that environment where each decision could mean life or death. It’s a humbling and powerful responsibility.

You’ve worked in ERs across Alabama for nearly three decades. What has changed the most over that time? 

The most significant change has been the pace and complexity of care. Technology has improved diagnostics and efficiency, but it’s also increased the administrative burden. We used to rely more heavily on clinical intuition; now we have layers of data and imaging, which are valuable but can sometimes distance us from the patient. The other shift is the rise in mental health crises and drug-related emergencies, particularly opioids. It’s heartbreaking and has fundamentally changed what it means to serve a community. I’ve also seen rural hospitals close or struggle, which impacts access. You adapt, but you never stop hoping for better systems.

How did your experiences at UAB during residency shape your approach as a physician? 

UAB was a crucible of learning and personal growth for me. Earning Intern of the Year in 1994 and serving as Chief Resident in 1996 weren’t just honors—they were milestones in understanding leadership, discipline, and collaboration. The mentors I had, and the challenges I faced during those years, instilled in me a deep respect for continuity of care and patient-centered thinking. It wasn’t just about treating illness—it was about listening, educating, and building trust. Those formative years still echo in how I practice medicine today.

You mentioned playing guitar and reading as hobbies. How do those help you unwind from such a high-stress profession? 

Both are my outlets. Playing guitar helps me transition from the chaos of the ER to a place of peace. It’s like hitting a reset button. I love classic rock and fingerstyle acoustic—it’s meditative. Reading, on the other hand, broadens my world. I tend to dive into history, theology, and sometimes just good old detective fiction. It’s a way to engage the mind without the weight of real-world consequences. You need that balance when you’re in a job where you witness trauma regularly. These hobbies help keep me grounded.

How has your family shaped your perspective on work and life? 

Family is everything to me. Amanda and I have been married for 33 wonderful years. She’s my rock. Watching our daughter Grace become a West Point graduate and serve in the Army fills me with pride and humility. And Connor’s success in business, especially in a competitive field like sales, shows his resilience and people skills. Having a grandchild—James—has added a whole new dimension. They remind me that every patient is someone’s child or parent. My work is about preserving family moments, and that fuels my purpose every day.

What was your role as ER Director at Gadsden Regional Hospital, and how did it differ from your other positions? 

Being ER Director from 2004 to 2007 was a tremendous challenge and a privilege. Beyond clinical duties, I had to manage staffing, improve workflow, and ensure compliance with regulations—all while keeping morale high and patient care uncompromised. It gave me insight into the administrative side of healthcare, which is often invisible but essential. I learned to see the bigger picture—how budgets, leadership, and systems affect the people on the front lines. It helped me become not just a better doctor, but a better teammate and advocate.

You’ve been on medical missions to Honduras. How have those experiences shaped your worldview? 

Profoundly. Practicing medicine in Honduras stripped things down to the basics. No fancy diagnostics, limited supplies, and a heavy reliance on clinical skills. But what struck me most was the gratitude and resilience of the people. It reminded me why I went into medicine in the first place—not for prestige, but for service. Those trips deepened my faith, strengthened my resolve, and reminded me that healing is as much about presence and empathy as it is about medication or surgery.

How has your faith influenced your career and personal life? 

My faith is the lens through which I view my responsibilities, struggles, and successes. I attend CrossBridge Church of Christ, and the community there has been a consistent source of encouragement. In medicine, you often face questions without clear answers—why some live and others don’t, why suffering exists. My faith doesn’t eliminate those questions, but it gives me the strength to face them with hope and compassion. It also motivates me to approach every patient with dignity and humility. We’re all broken in some way, and healing goes beyond the physical.

What’s one case or patient interaction that has stayed with you over the years? 

There have been many, but one stands out clearly. A young boy came in after a severe farming accident—he was in critical condition. It was one of those nights where everything had to go exactly right. Our trauma team moved like a symphony, each person doing their part seamlessly. We were able to stabilize him and transfer him to a trauma center for further care. That night reminds me why our work matters — even when the outcomes aren’t immediate. It’s moments like that that give meaning to the hard nights.

What advice would you give to someone just entering the medical profession today? 

Medicine is a calling, not just a career. You need to love people, not just science. Be prepared to sacrifice, but also to receive immense rewards that have nothing to do with money. Stay curious. Be teachable. Never lose sight of the person behind the chart. And most importantly, find ways to replenish yourself—spiritually, emotionally, physically—because you can’t pour from an empty cup. The world needs healers who are whole. Be that kind of doctor.

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