Nurse practitioner, Kara Evers providing specialized care and lasting impact for bariatric patients

Nurse practitioner (NP) Kara Evers knows the journey to bariatric surgery is deeply personal for patients, and she takes pride guiding them through this transformative process.

“When I was doing my master’s in nursing at Dalhousie University, a nurse practitioner did a presentation on obesity,” said Kara. “It was my first recognition that obesity was a chronic disease, and I was moved to specialize in bariatrics.”

As the NP for the Halifax Obesity and Bariatric Surgery Clinic, Kara helps patients through every stage of their care, from the first intake appointment to the post-surgical follow up, for up to two years. 

“My role is to see every single patient that goes through this program, guiding them through the upcoming changes, nutrition support, and patient education,” she said. “Sometimes patients will reach out for basic information about their surgery date, while others may need more support with other aspects of the program.”

Kara’s greatest reward comes from witnessing the life-changing impact bariatric surgery can have. 

“I get a lot of before and after photos and they are really touching,” she said. “To actually see the change in someone – you don’t get to see that transformation with most other surgeries.”

She emphasizes that the changes her patients desire aren’t just cosmetic, with patients relaying that they are motivated by a wanting to be with their grandchildren, wanting to walk their child down the aisle, or wanting to ensure their independence and mobility as they age.

As a nurse practitioner, Kara is uniquely positioned to support bariatric patients with specialized care that improves surgical outcomes and enhances their quality of life.

“It’s fulfilling to be a part of helping Nova Scotians live longer, move easier, and feel hopeful.”

Kara’s commitment to her patients extends well beyond the clinic. In October, she helped lead the Strides for Obesity event, the first in-person walk since 2019. The relaunch brought together more than 100 participants and raised over $8,000 in support of bariatric care. The event’s success reflects Kara’s dedication to building community and championing improved care for Nova Scotian’s living with obesity.

Photo of Kara Evers.