<Tr> <Th> Children </Th> <Td> Samuel Norbert Avery (son, with Jackson; deceased) Harriet Kepner - Avery (daughter, with Jackson) </Td> </Tr> <Tr> <Th> Religion </Th> <Td> Christianity </Td> </Tr> <P> April Kepner M.D., is a fictional character from the television medical drama Grey's Anatomy which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States . The character was created by series producer Shonda Rhimes and is portrayed by actress Sarah Drew . She was introduced in the episode "Invasion" as a former surgical resident at Mercy West Hospital who joins the staff at Seattle Grace Mercy West after the two hospitals merge to compensate for the absence of some of the central cast members, and was created to be disliked by her colleagues . The character was originally set to appear in two episodes, Drew's contract was extended to the remainder of the sixth season, with her becoming a series regular in the seventh season . The character's focal storyline involved her struggle with fitting into the new work environment, her religious beliefs and balancing her duties as the hospital's chief resident and her friendship with her colleagues and as of the end of season eight, her relationship with her best friend and now ex-husband Jackson Avery . </P> <P> Although initially focusing on neurosurgery during her residency, Kepner finally settles on trauma surgery as a specialty . After failing her boards, Kepner departs upon her contract's expiration, but returns as a surgical attending when Chief Hunt offers her job back . Characterizing the character, ABC noted her determination, thoroughness, and intelligence as her main traits, while her insecurity, over-eagerness and vulnerability were highlighted as her main weakness . The character received mixed reviews from critics . </P>

When did april kepner join grey's anatomy