Dr. Chris Endfinger brings nearly three decades of experience as an Emergency Room physician, delivering critical care across Alabama with unwavering focus and compassion. A 1993 graduate of UAB Medical School, he went on to complete his Family Practice residency there in 1996, distinguishing himself as both Intern of the Year and Chief Resident. From 2004 to 2007, he served as ER Director at Gadsden Regional Hospital, where he led clinical teams with integrity and hands-on leadership.
Chris’s path in medicine was shaped early by his upbringing—his mother a hospital social worker, and his father a hardworking entrepreneur. That foundation of service and resilience led him to pursue a degree in Biochemistry at David Lipscomb University, complemented by minors in Math and French. Known for his calm demeanor in high-stakes situations, Dr. Endfinger prioritizes not only medical excellence but also genuine human connection in every patient interaction.
Outside the hospital, Chris finds balance through music, books, and fitness. He and his wife Amanda have shared 33 years of marriage, raising two remarkable children and recently welcoming a grandson. A committed member of CrossBridge Church of Christ, Chris has extended his care globally through medical mission trips to Honduras, embodying his lifelong dedication to healing, faith, and service.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
As an ER physician, my typical day starts fast and rarely slows down. I usually begin with a brief review of patient flow and any overnight notes, then I jump into the controlled chaos of triage, trauma, and everything in between. Productivity for me means staying sharp—mentally, physically, and emotionally. I prep with a good workout when I can, and I rely heavily on clear communication with nurses and support staff. In the ER, being efficient means being prepared, present, and compassionate, even when the pressure is high.
How do you bring ideas to life?
I’m a firm believer that practical change starts with conversation and collaboration. Whether it’s implementing a new triage protocol or improving patient throughput, I gather feedback, observe workflow, and test changes in real-time. In medicine, theory has to meet boots-on-the-ground reality, so you need buy-in from the team and adaptability.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Telemedicine. While it can’t replace in-person emergency care, it’s a powerful tool for expanding access, especially in rural Alabama where resources are thin. It also allows us to triage more effectively and focus ER resources on acute needs.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Starting each day with a clear sense of purpose helps me stay productive. Before every shift or project, I take a few quiet minutes to set my intentions and prioritize what matters most. It keeps me focused not just on tasks, but on serving people well.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t let perfection be the enemy of progress. Early in my career, I obsessed over every outcome, every missed sign. It’s important to care deeply, but it’s just as important to accept that medicine is an imperfect science. Learn, forgive yourself, and keep moving forward.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
That the ER can be a place of calm. Most see it as chaotic—and it is—but there’s a strange rhythm to it. When a team functions well, and everyone knows their role, there’s a clarity and focus in the madness. I find peace in that order amidst disorder.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Read beyond your field. I read philosophy, theology, history—anything that stretches my perspective. It helps me understand patients better and make more thoughtful decisions under pressure.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I take ten minutes alone, step outside if possible, and breathe deeply. I also pray. In the ER, you’re dealing with life and death. Re-centering spiritually clears the fog and reminds me I’m not in control of everything—and that’s okay.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Lead by example. As ER Director at Gadsden, I never asked staff to do something I wouldn’t do myself. Showing up early, staying late, and treating every patient with dignity earned trust. That kind of leadership opens doors organically.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early in my career, I thought I had to carry everything on my own shoulders — every patient outcome, every tough decision. Over time, I realized that medicine is a team effort, and true leadership means trusting and empowering those around you. Learning to rely on the strengths of others made me a better physician and a better leader. It taught me that humility and collaboration are just as important as knowledge and skill.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Create a mobile urgent care unit for rural areas staffed with retired or part-time physicians. It’s cost-effective, scalable, and meets communities where they are—bridging gaps in care without building new infrastructure.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
It may sound simple, but Microsoft OneNote has been a real asset. I use it to organize notes, track clinical updates, and plan projects — both professional and personal. It helps keep everything in one place so I can stay focused and move quickly between responsibilities without losing track of details.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
“A Purpose Driven Life” by Rick Warren has been a great read for me — its message about living with intention and meaning really resonated. I also enjoy science fiction; it sparks my imagination and offers a unique perspective on where our world could be headed. In many ways, what once seemed like pure fiction is quickly becoming reality, which makes those stories even more thought-provoking.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
“The Chosen.” It offers a fresh and humanizing look at the life of Christ. It resonates with my faith and reminds me that healing is as much spiritual as it is physical. The storytelling is powerful, grounded, and emotionally honest.
Key learnings
- Purpose-Driven Practice
- Leadership Through Humility and Action
- Lifelong Learning and Reflection