OSU Medical Center recently celebrated Dr. Perry Evans of the OSU Medicine Clinic in Cleveland on his 75th birthday. Dr. Evan’s connection to OSU Medical Center is rooted in a family legacy that began before he was even born.

Dr. Evans was delivered at the hospital in 1951 by his aunt, Dr. Roberta Baker, an osteopathic physician and medical school professor. His father and cousin were both osteopathic physicians on staff at the hospital at the time. At one point, six members of Dr. Evans’ family were practicing rural medicine simultaneously.

His mother, Ruth H. Evans, was deeply involved in volunteer service at the hospital and reportedly logged more volunteer hours than anyone else. She also served as president of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Auxiliary (now known as the Friends of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association (FOOA)).

Dr. Evans knew from a young age that he wanted to become a physician. His father, a World War II veteran, was his greatest influence. After the war, his father became a doctor at age 45 while raising two children, instilling in him the importance of providing care in rural communities.

Raised in Owasso, Dr. Evans always envisioned practicing in a small town. He became a physician at age 25 and has served the Cleveland community for the past 45 years.

“I still enjoy practicing medicine now as much as I did 45 years ago,” he said.

Dr. Evans’ wife, Janice, is a registered nurse and serves as his office manager. Like Evans’ mother, Janice also served as president of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association Auxiliary.

These ties to OSU Medical Center span generations and reflect a family dedicated to osteopathic medicine and rural healthcare. Dr. Evans is currently an adjunct professor at the OSU Center for Health Sciences College of Medicine, where he continues to inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders.