Meet the anesthesiologist who has participated in 12 MolGen missions and is passionate about training the next generation.
In our ongoing series highlighting the incredible volunteers who make MolGen's work possible, we're honored to feature Dr. Elena Rodriguez, an anesthesiologist from Houston who has participated in 12 missions since 2015.
## Finding Her Calling
"I went on my first MolGen mission almost on a whim," Dr. Rodriguez recalls. "A colleague mentioned they needed an anesthesiologist for a Honduras mission. I said yes, and it changed my life."
That first mission showed her the profound impact of bringing anesthesia services to communities that lacked them. "Without safe anesthesia, surgery isn't possible. I realized I could make a real difference."
## The Training Focus
What sets Dr. Rodriguez apart is her dedication to education. She has developed a curriculum for teaching anesthesia in low-resource settings and has trained over 50 local providers.
"The goal isn't just to provide anesthesia while we're there," she explains. "It's to leave behind skills and knowledge that last forever."
## Looking Ahead
Despite her demanding practice at home, Dr. Rodriguez makes time for at least two missions per year. "It keeps me grounded. It reminds me why I became a doctor."
Thank you, Dr. Rodriguez, for your incredible dedication to this work!
*Interested in volunteering? Visit our Get Involved page to learn more.*
