Evelena Cousin Peterson

Evelena Cousin Peterson is a trauma and acute care surgeon and surgical critical care specialist currently practicing in Reston, Virginia. She completed her general surgery training in 2022 after switching from internal medicine and taking a preliminary year plus research time, then finished a surgical critical care fellowship in 2025. She is double-boarded in general surgery and surgical critical care. Her career path included overcoming challenges to switch specialties and balancing family with professional goals, including taking time off after having her son. She is a member of the American College of Surgeons, Society of Critical Care Medicine, and National Medical Association, and has applied to the American Association for the Surgery of Trauma. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Howard University, where she gained confidence and a strong sense of identity. During residency she won a research competition. She enjoys teaching courses such as Stop the Bleed and advanced surgical trauma courses, and has lectured for board review programs.