Criteria for nomination include, among other things, possession of the following qualities and characteristics: positive mentoring skills, involvement in community service, compassion/sensitivity, collaboration with students and patients and modeling ethics of the profession.

The AAMC annually recognizes a medical school faculty physician who exemplifies the qualities of a caring and compassionate mentor in the teaching and advising of medical students. The candidate also must demonstrate the desirable personal qualities necessary to the practice of patient-centered medicine.

Rodriguez received Florida State University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Distinguished Service Award in 2008, recognizing outstanding scholarly excellence and strong commitment to King’s ideals.

Rodriguez is one of several faculty physicians at the College of Medicine who have combined to donate thousands of hours of patient services at Neighborhood Health Services in Tallahassee. The clinic provides valuable experience for College of Medicine students in working with medically underserved, uninsured and underinsured patients. (photo by Ray Stanyard)