2023–2024 NHLCC Scholar: Emili Rosado Rodriguez

Emili Rosado Rodriguez
MD
University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine & Mayo Clinic Rochester

Emili Patricia Rosado Rodríguez is a third-year medical student at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) School of Medicine and a first-year master’s student at the Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. Growing up at the intersection of Puerto Rican and Dominican cultures has shaped her perspective on how disadvantaged communities interact with the healthcare system, particularly in cardiology. Emili has been involved in multiple research projects focused on diverse aspects of the cardiovascular system, from studying the immunology of atherosclerosis to evaluating clinical outcomes of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. Her current clinical and research interests include adult congenital heart disease, cardio-obstetrics, and health disparities. She aspires to become a cardiologist in Puerto Rico, conducting research that leads to significant advances for Hispanic and Caribbean populations, while continuing to advocate for socially conscious medicine. In addition to her research and clinical work, Emili co-leads two meaningful projects: Recinto pa’ la Calle (RPC) and Ciencia pa’ Todes (CPT). RPC is composed of medical sciences students who provide ulcer cleaning services, food, hygiene materials, and, most importantly, meaningful conversations to people who use drugs and individuals without housing near the campus in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Through leading RPC, she has supported marginalized groups, reduced biases, and acquired essential harm-reduction skills. Emili also co-founded Ciencia pa’ Todes, a student-led initiative that challenges traditional scientific discourses rooted in racism, sexism, LGBTTQIA+ phobias, and classism. The group creates educational social media content for Hispanic populations, with a focus on Caribbean audiences. In her free time, Emili enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring new places, listening to music, and watching comedy series.