Mistakes will happen. No matter how well-prepared you are, expect and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process; they provide invaluable lessons that can lead to growth and improvement.
As part of my series about “individuals and organizations making an important social impact”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr Angela Rodriguez, ART Surgical.
Dr. Angela M. Rodriguez, a board-certified plastic surgeon, has a rich professional history spanning over 20 years, with expertise in craniofacial, aesthetic and pediatric plastic surgery. In 2018, she embarked on a transformative journey, dedicating her practice exclusively to serving the transgender community. In February 2023, Dr. Rodriguez took a pivotal step by establishing ART Surgical, a clinic tailored to meet the unique needs of transgender individuals.
Among the select few international medical graduates admitted into plastic surgery in the U.S., Dr. Rodriguez made significant contributions during her tenure as plastic surgery staff and director of the craniofacial anomalies clinic at Valley Children’s Healthcare in Central California.
Dr. Rodriguez earned her medical degree from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana in Bogota, Colombia, followed by internships and residencies in surgery, as well as a plastic surgery fellowship at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. Further enhancing her expertise, she pursued a fellowship in craniofacial surgery at Stanford University and conducted research at Harvard University for two years.
Her professional focus extends to various facets of transgender care, including rhinoplasty, facial feminization, and top and bottom surgery. With over six years of dedicated experience in transgender surgeries, Dr. Rodriguez offers comprehensive gender reassignment procedures.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Rodriguez has demonstrated a keen interest in basic science research and tissue engineering, delivering numerous seminars and presentations to professional organizations. Notable accolades include receiving a Plastic Surgery Education Foundation Grant for her research on “The Use of a Hydrogel in the Engineering of Skin” and the prestigious William Potsic Price Basic Research Award (1st Place) for her work on “New Cartilage Tissue Engineered from Pediatric Auricular Cartilage” at the American Society of Pediatric Otolaryngology Annual Meeting in 1997. Additionally, she was honored with a “cranio” Fellowship by the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons in 2004.
Thank you so much for joining us in this interview series! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
I have had the privilege of practicing as a plastic surgeon for about 20 years. Throughout my career, my path has been closely aligned with my core values: equality, fairness, and a deep commitment to serving underserved communities. These principles have consistently guided my professional choices and endeavors.
In the early years of my career, I dedicated my efforts to working with children born with birth defects and craniofacial anomalies. This work was profoundly fulfilling, as it allowed me to make a tangible difference in the lives of young patients and their families. The opportunity to help these children and witness their transformation was incredibly rewarding.
However, as my career evolved, I found an even deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction in serving the transgender community through gender-affirming surgery. This aspect of my practice resonates deeply with my commitment to social justice and equality. Being able to support individuals in their journey to line up their physical appearance with their true identity is not only a surgical challenge but also an honor and a profound responsibility.
Matching my professional activities with my personal values is what drives me each day and brings a profound sense of purpose to my career.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began leading your company or organization?
I have always thought surrounding yourself with the best people was important. What I have realized is that if you do the work and create a good environment, the right people will follow. That is one of the most important things I have learned.
The majority of my current staff have worked with me over the years. Our team comes from all walks of life, over 50% are members of the LGBT community, 60% are Hispanic, and 60% of the practice is Spanish-speaking. Our team is entirely made up of women. This is something that happened organically. Everyone is welcome to work with us, but somehow, philosophy and style attract the right team. We are all united by a profound sense of respect and a desire to serve the transgender community.
When discussing diversity and inclusion, it is essential to walk the walk. Actions speak volumes.
It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Mistakes are an inherent part of the human experience and should be viewed as valuable learning opportunities. Early in my career, I learned the importance of not forcing situations.
As an intern, I was eager to perform a then-new procedure known as a “percutaneous tracheostomy” in the ICU. This technique is typically used for patients who are expected to need prolonged mechanical ventilation. I had a patient who met the criteria for this procedure. However, each time I brought my supervisor or attending physician to assist me, something was missing — paperwork, equipment, or another critical component. This happened on three separate occasions.
Despite my persistence on my fourth attempt, just as we were prepared to proceed, the unexpected happened. The patient suddenly pulled out his breathing tube and, to our surprise, was able to breathe on his own. He no longer needed a tracheostomy.
This experience taught me to be more mindful and patient, recognizing that sometimes the universe has different plans. It reinforced the lesson that it’s crucial not to force a situation; often, things will unfold as they are meant to.
Can you describe how you or your organization is making a significant social impact?
In today’s society, we are witnessing significant progress towards greater acceptance and inclusion of diverse identities. I am humbled to play a role in this transformative period as an instrument of education and change. The work ART Surgical does with the trans community has a unique historical significance, and it’s deeply fulfilling to contribute to such meaningful progress. Not everyone has the opportunity to be part of such an important movement in their lifetime, and our team is grateful for the chance to make a difference in this way.
Through our work, we strive to embody and promote the values of equality and fairness, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background or identity, receives the healthcare and respect they deserve. This alignment of my professional activities with my personal values is what drives me each day and brings a profound sense of purpose to my career.
Can you tell us a story about a particular individual who was impacted or helped by your cause?
As a Latina woman, I have a deep connection to and admiration for the Latino community. This connection has greatly influenced my professional and personal life, especially in my work with transgender women within this community.
Transgender women in the Latino community face multifaceted challenges. Not only do they navigate the complexities of gender identity, but many also endure the hardships of immigration and sexual exploitation. These women often leave their home countries seeking safety and opportunities, only to encounter significant obstacles in this country. These challenges include navigating the immigration system, confronting societal prejudice, and frequently experiencing estrangement from their families.
In my practice, I’ve witnessed firsthand the struggles these individuals endure. Many face higher risks of homelessness and poverty, and the rates of HIV infection are alarmingly higher among transgender women of color.
Transgender women, especially those from Latino and other minority backgrounds, often epitomize the very definition of inequality in our society. Their experiences reflect a convergence of multiple forms of discrimination — based on gender identity, ethnicity, and immigration status. It’s crucial that modern society recognizes and addresses these compound inequalities.
Through my work, I strive to provide not just medical care but also advocacy and education. I believe that education is a powerful tool for reducing these disparities and promoting a more inclusive and equitable society. By educating both the community and broader society, we can work towards eliminating stigma and providing the support these individuals need and deserve.
My commitment to these issues is deeply personal and professional. It’s about ensuring that every person, regardless of their background or identity, has access to the care and respect they deserve. Supporting transgender women, particularly within the Latino community, is a vital part of creating the just and compassionate society we all aspire to live in.
Are there three things the community/society/politicians can do to help you address the root of the problem you are trying to solve?
Addressing many of the challenges in our society begins with education. By actively listening to others, especially those whose experiences and perspectives differ from our own, we can gain a deeper understanding of their struggles. This empathy is the foundation upon which effective solutions are built. While allocating resources is essential, the true willingness to resolve issues stems from comprehending them at a fundamental level.
Throughout history, we have overcome complex problems by putting ourselves in others’ shoes. This perspective reveals our shared struggles and universal desire for belonging. It is crucial for communities, societies, and policymakers to educate themselves, to truly listen, and to create solutions devoid of judgment.
As gender-affirming surgeons, our role is to address a healthcare need. We are here to provide solutions to specific medical challenges, nothing more, nothing less.
How do you define “leadership?” Can you explain what you mean or give an example?
In my role, leadership means being accountable not only to my patients but also to my team. For my patients, it’s about ensuring they receive the highest quality of care and that their well-being is prioritized in every aspect of my practice. This responsibility drives me to stay at the forefront of medical advancements and to advocate for their needs, both within my clinic and in the broader healthcare system.
For my employees, leadership is about creating an environment where they feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. It’s crucial to foster a culture of openness and trust, where challenges can be addressed directly and proactively. When issues arise, I believe in tackling them head-on and collaboratively. This approach not only resolves problems effectively but also builds resilience and cohesion within the team.
I also firmly believe that true leadership means accepting full responsibility for everything that happens under my purview. Whether it’s a success or a setback, as a leader, I own the outcomes and learn from them. This accountability is essential because it reinforces integrity and trustworthiness, both of which are cornerstones of effective leadership.
Moreover, leadership is about vision and inspiration. It’s about setting clear goals and motivating others to achieve them. But it’s also about being adaptable and receptive to feedback, ensuring that the path we take is inclusive and considerate of everyone involved.
In summary, leadership is a multifaceted responsibility that encompasses accountability, problem-solving, and the commitment to the greater good. It’s about making decisions that benefit not just the immediate stakeholders but also contribute positively to the broader community and society.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why?
- Mistakes will happen. No matter how well-prepared you are, expect and embrace mistakes as part of the learning process; they provide invaluable lessons that can lead to growth and improvement.
- Things will not go as planned. I had to let go of being a perfectionist. Flexibility is crucial because unexpected challenges and changes are inevitable. Obsessing over perfection can hinder progress and innovation.
- Have a good business plan. A solid business plan serves as a roadmap, helping you set clear goals, anticipate challenges, and stay focused on your vision, making it easier to navigate the complexities of running a business.
- Understand your strengths and how to market them. Knowing your unique strengths allows you to differentiate yourself in the market, effectively communicate your value to customers, and build a strong brand.
- Understand how to finance your business. A thorough understanding of financing options and managing cash flow is essential for sustaining your business, ensuring you can cover expenses, invest in growth, and weather financial challenges.
If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
Pay it forward! This movement would encourage individuals to perform acts of kindness for others without expecting anything in return, creating a ripple effect of generosity and compassion. By fostering a culture of empathy and mutual support, we could build stronger, more connected communities where kindness becomes the norm and everyone benefits.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
Roger Federer once said “effortlessness is a myth.” I have learned to work hard for everything I have done in life. There comes a time when it looks effortless from the outside, but the amount of training, long hours and thought I placed into my skills creates the illusion of being effortless. There are so many things I’d like to master in life, but there is time for just a few of them. Effortless is certainly a myth, but I believe it is a destination one can get to through hard work.
Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would like to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why?
I would love to share that moment with Reshma Saujani, Hillary Clinton, Nancy Pelosi, and Kamala Harris. They are all smart, brilliant women. Most of what they share through their work echoes my beliefs about creating a better society, focusing on equality and justice for all.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
You can follow my work at www.artsurgical.net and on Instagram.
This was very meaningful, thank you so much. We wish you only continued success in your great work!
Social Impact Heroes: Why & How Dr Angela Rodriguez of ART Surgical Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.