Born and raised in Springfield, Ill., Chris first became interested in medicine during her high school years. Her mother was ill for several years and Chris was inspired by the physicians who cared for her.
Chris began her college career at Lincoln Land Community College in Springfield and then earned a bachelor’s degree from Illinois State University. She pursued her medical education near home at the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine in Springfield.
During her residency at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Chris had “wonderful teaching rotations with the cardiologists at OSF Cardiovascular Institute,” which influenced her decision to specialize in cardiology and later join the cardiovascular practice.
Practicing at OSF Cardiovascular Institute enables Dr. Perks to be close to family, as most of her extended family is in Central Illinois.
Chris and her husband, Brian, have one daughter, Amelia. They are all avid readers and love hockey. Chris also has three "boys:" her dogs, Gus, Ernie and Hooper. In her free time, she enjoys quilting.
