Feb. 16, 2024 — Growing up in South Carolina, Evelyn Y. Anthony, M.D., FACR, remembers following her father around hospitals, observing the caring way he interacted with his patients as a pediatrician. What left a lasting imprint on her was not only how much he loved what he did, but how he treated his career as a calling.

“He was not only deeply involved in his practice but also in advocating for the well-being of children and setting an example to others by putting his patients at the forefront of everything he did,” Anthony said.

Anthony carries this same sense of calling and service in her own medical career, whether in her international efforts to expand care to underserved areas or as an educator mentoring the next generation. But while pediatrics has a strong hold on the family — not only was her father a member of the profession, but both her sister and brother-in-law also became pediatricians — it was radiology that grabbed Anthony’s interest, drawing her in with its investigative nature.

“I loved the diagnosis, the puzzle of imaging and problem-solving,” she said. “There is so much variety, whether in the different types of imaging or the different parts of the day. Sometimes I am interacting directly with patients while performing fluoroscopic or ultrasound studies, and other times I am in a dark room with multiple computers monitors, interpreting the imaging that helps our teams provide the best care for our patients. And teaching and research are woven throughout. The work is important and incredibly stimulating.”

Now, Anthony brings that commitment to service and patient-centered care to the University of Florida College of Medicine as the chair of the department of radiology, beginning March 1. In her new role, she will provide leadership and direction for the department’s comprehensive efforts in education, research and patient care.

Anthony joins UF from the Wake Forest University School of Medicine in North Carolina, where she served as a professor of radiology, with secondary faculty appointments in pediatrics and biomedical engineering. She was also the School of Medicine’s vice dean of faculty affairs.

“I am thrilled to be joining such a well-respected department at one of the nation’s best universities and to be working with such a dedicated group of faculty and staff,” Anthony said. “Everyone I met at the department is committed to excellence across clinical and academic mission areas. I am looking forward to joining a place where faculty and staff are aligned on the vision of the College and health system and driving toward common goals.”

Anthony received her undergraduate degree in zoology from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a certificate in biblical studies from the International School of Theology before earning her medical degree at the Duke University School of Medicine. She then completed residency training in diagnostic radiology and a fellowship in pediatric radiology at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

While at Wake Forest, she moved into leadership positions early in her tenure, becoming the section chief of pediatric radiology, pediatric imaging medical director, chair of the Faculty Representative Council and associate director of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute Evaluation Program.

In her clinical role, Anthony worked with a team of physician scholars and technologists, providing medical imaging services for the 200-bed children’s hospital and Level 1 pediatric trauma center. She also led the creation of a radiology rotation in Kenya, where residents and attendings partnered with Kijabe Hospital to serve patients in a collaborative international setting.

“In my career, I have gravitated toward work that allows me to build and improve programs and processes in support of my colleagues, which in the end affects our ability to deliver excellent patient care in a sustainable way, “Anthony said. “Wherever there is a need, I want to be proactive in finding answers that are a win-win for everyone.”