Dr. Fátima Rodriguez, MD is a rising leader in cardiovascular medicine whose clinical work, research, and public health advocacy are shaping the future of heart disease prevention in the United States. As an associate professor of medicine and section chief of preventive cardiology at Stanford Medicine, she is gaining national recognition for evidence-based strategies to improve cardiovascular health and reduce disease risk.
In 2025, Dr. Rodriguez was named the recipient of the Joseph A. Vita Award at the American Heart Association’s Scientific Sessions, a distinction awarded to those who have made major contributions to cardiovascular science and preventive care. Her work emphasizes interventions that go beyond traditional clinical treatment to include lifestyle, community engagement, and policy-driven solutions aimed at reducing heart attack and stroke risk.
At Stanford, Dr. Rodriguez leads programs focused on preventive cardiology, which include advanced risk assessment, personalized care plans, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to support patients at risk for heart disease. She also participates in cutting-edge studies on biomarkers and novel therapies that could identify cardiovascular risk earlier and more accurately than ever before.
Beyond her clinic and research, Dr. Rodriguez is a strong advocate for expanding public health approaches to cardiovascular wellness — championing collaborations between healthcare systems, policymakers, and community organizations to foster heart-healthy environments and equitable access to care. Her voice is influential on national platforms where she promotes preventive strategies like smoking cessation programs, supervised exercise initiatives, and improved nutrition education.
Her dedication to both science and community impact reflects a broader trend among physician-leaders who are redefining what it means to lead in healthcare: integrating clinical excellence with advocacy, education, and systems-level change.
Through her combined roles as clinician, researcher, and public health advocate, Dr. Rodriguez exemplifies the modern physician — one who not only treats disease but actively works to prevent it and improve health outcomes for broader populations.
