When her son was born, he arrived a few days early and faced serious complications, including severe reflux and a collapsed lung. Dr. Rodgers spent days and nights in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, anxious and exhausted. One night, after returning home, she checked the NICU camera feed and noticed a note from a nurse explaining that her son had successfully taken a bottle and no longer needed a feeding tube.
That small act of compassion, knowing a worried parent was watching, made a lasting impression.
“I slept well for the first time after the delivery when I saw the note,” Dr. Rodgers said. “It was very empathetic of the nurse.”
Today, she carries that moment with her into every patient interaction. It’s why, when a test result is reassuring, she tries to pick up the phone and call rather than make a patient wait days or weeks for peace of mind. It’s also why she believes modern health care should slow down.
How does time impact the patient experience?
For many patients, health care has begun to feel rushed, fragmented and impersonal. That experience is exactly what led Dr. Rodgers to practice a different kind of primary care: one built on time, trust and genuine connection.
“I would like patients to get the quality of care that I would want to have for myself or my family,” Dr. Rodgers said.
“Time allows physicians to see a problem, or problems, as a whole instead of compartmentalizing it or them,” Dr. Rodgers said. “Many symptoms are part of a larger issue, but when a physician is rushed, it may be harder to diagnose the larger problem.”
Through the MDVIP model, Dr. Rodgers is able to take a more personalized approach that allows her to understand patients not just as cases, but as people.
“I am exceedingly thorough in a compassionate, empathetic way,” Dr. Rodgers said. “Having time allows me to see the whole picture and get to know my patients.”
How have Dr. Rodgers’ experiences shaped her approach to care?
Dr. Rodgers’ commitment to empathy is largely shaped by her medical training, where she witnessed significant loss while caring for critically ill patients, including those undergoing bone marrow and organ transplants. Those experiences left a deep impression and strengthened her resolve to advocate fiercely for her patients.
Those moments, combined with personal loss earlier in her life, reinforced her belief that medicine isn’t just about knowledge; it’s about presence, attention and advocacy.
“I feel I have a depth of empathy because of what I’ve been through,” Dr. Rodgers said. “I can look for every small detail that will help my patients and advocate for him or her.”
When patients come to Dr. Rodgers feeling worried or overwhelmed, her first step is to listen fully and without interruption. She encourages open dialogue, addresses each concern directly, and makes sure patients leave feeling reassured and informed.
Whether a concern turns out to be benign or requires further evaluation, Dr. Rodgers believes that clarity and reassurance play an essential role in a patient’s mental and physical well-being. Having a plan, she said, can make all the difference.
This approach is especially meaningful for patients who have had negative health care experiences in the past. By listening to their stories and understanding where trust was lost, Dr. Rodgers works to rebuild confidence through transparency, education and empathy.
For patients seeking a physician who takes the time to listen, explains decisions clearly and leads with empathy, Dr. Rodgers is the perfect match.
“Whether someone is a physician or a patient, the best and healthiest relationships are built on empathy,” Dr. Rodgers said.
Click here to learn more about Dr. Rodgers or to explore becoming a patient today.
Location: 4815 State Hwy. 121, Ste. 8, The Colony
