2015 Central Region

Eric Rodriguez
Nurse Practitioner
Compassionate Family Medicine/FCMG
I was born and raised in Cuba, and came to the United States alone at the age of 21. With no family, no education, and very limited English skills I was faced with a number of challenges, on multiple levels. My first few years in the US were challenging as I was in an unfamiliar place, it was difficult for me to communicate with many people, and on one occasion I was faced with possibility of becoming homeless.

During those first years, I spent many hours, every day, studying English, in order to become proficient enough to enroll at Onondaga Community College. I later earned my Associates in Nursing from OCC and became a Registered Nurse.

As a nurse, I worked in a number of different settings, including home care, the Emergency room and trauma center, and on a cardiac unit. While working as a nurse at Upstate Medical University Hospital, I enrolled at Keuka College, and completed my Bachelor in Nursing. I was later accepted into the Master’s program through Upstate Medical University’s Collage of Nursing program. While pursuing my Master’s in Nursing, I continued to work as a registered nurse in the hospital, and also became an adjunct nursing faculty at Onondaga Community College. I completed the program at Upstate Medical, and graduated as a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a minor in nursing education.

I am currently working full time as Family Nurse Practitioner, in a private, primary care office. This position has given me the opportunity to provide care for a very diverse, and unique patient population. Additionally, I am currently working as an adjunct faculty at Upstate Medical University, College of Nursing. I am also pursuing further education, and have enrolled in a PhD in Adult Education program.

Where did you go to College and what was your focus/major OR what College are you attending and what is your major?
I attended Upstate Medical University and graduated in 2012 with a Master of Science in Nursing, as a Family Nurse Practitioner, with a Minor in Nursing Education.

I am currently enrolled at Capella University, and am working towards a PhD in Adult Education, with a specialization in Nursing.

What is your Hispanic Heritage?
I was born and raised in Cuba, and moved to the United States at the age of 21.

How has your personal background helped shape the person you are today and the work you are doing?
Being born and raised in Cuba, and then coming to the United States as an adult had a significant impact on the person I have become today. Growing up, I had the opportunity to witness the importance and effects of healthcare, as both of my parents are physicians. My parents always spoke highly of nurses, which impacted my career decisions once I came to the United States and began pursing higher education. The opportunities and experiences I have had, being raised in a different country, have allowed me to develop a different perspective of the world than many others.

Now, as a Family Nurse Practitioner, I have the opportunity to work with an underserved population in the Syracuse area. My current practice provides care to patients from a number of different cultures, including Hispanics, African Americans, and Nepali patients. Being a part of a minority culture myself, I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given, and am happy to give back to society; the community.

What is your favorite quote?
"The best way to predict your future is to create it!" George Washington