Chris R. Stephenson, M.D., M.H.P.E.

Christopher Richard Stephenson, M.D., M.H.P.E., is a consultant in the Division of General Internal Medicine at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, caring for patients in Rochester and surrounding areas. Dr. Stephenson focuses on helping people with complex or undifferentiated medical concerns, providing expert diagnostic evaluation when symptoms or conditions are unclear. He also specializes in perioperative medicine, optimizing health before surgery and managing risk, and offers comprehensive preventive care aimed at long-term wellness and cardiovascular risk reduction.

I believe the best care begins with listening. My goal is to understand each patient’s priorities and provide thoughtful, evidence-based care tailored to their individual needs.

Dr. Stephenson provides personalized care that combines clinical experience with advanced diagnostic strategies and preventive planning.

• Complex medical concerns: Comprehensive evaluation and diagnostic work-up for unexplained symptoms
• Perioperative medical assessment: Risk evaluation and optimization of chronic conditions for safe surgery preparation
• Preventive health and wellness: Early detection of health risks and strategies to promote long-term well-being
• Cardiovascular risk reduction: Assessment and management plans to lower heart disease risk over time

Research & Professional Highlights

Board-certified in internal medicine by the American Board of Internal Medicine, Dr. Stephenson serves as Associate Chair of Education in Mayo Clinic’s Division of General Internal Medicine and as an Associate Professor of Medicine at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. His academic and research interests include learner engagement in medical education, perioperative medicine, evidence-based medicine, and the responsible integration of artificial intelligence into education and clinical practice. He has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and book chapters and leads curriculum development and educational innovation for medical students, residents, and practicing physicians. He also speaks nationally and internationally on medical education and artificial intelligence in healthcare. Dr. Stephenson has received multiple awards recognizing excellence in teaching, patient experience, and educational leadership.

Outside of medicine, Dr. Stephenson enjoys distance running, playing piano and creating music, and spending time with his wife and daughters.