Mega Doctor News
By Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Melanie Perez, Navy Office of Community Outreach
MILLINGTON, Tenn. – Petty Officer 3rd Class Elizmar Rodriguez, a native of Donna, Texas, serves in the U.S. Navy assigned to Navy Medicine Readiness and Training Command (NMRTC) Rota, Spain.
Rodriguez graduated from McAllen Memorial High School in 2025. Lessons from Donna continue to shape Rodriguez’s service.
“Growing up, I learned the importance of hard work, responsibility and treating people with respect,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve learned that you can’t always control the circumstances you’re in, but you can control how you respond to them. Those lessons have helped me become more resilient, adaptable and dependable. In the Navy, teamwork is extremely important, and I’ve learned that being someone others can rely on is just as important as being good at your job.”
Rodriguez joined the Navy one year ago. A desire to serve others while also doing work that would impact people’s lives led Rodriguez to Navy Medicine.
“I wanted a career where I could serve others while doing work that had a real impact on people’s lives,” Rodriguez said. “I’ve always been drawn to helping people, and Navy Medicine allowed me to combine that with serving my country. Becoming a hospital corpsman felt like the right fit because I get to care for people while being part of something bigger than myself.”
As a hospital corpsman, Rodriguez supports Navy missions worldwide.
“As a hospital corpsman, I help provide quality care and support to sailors, Marines, their families and other patients,” Rodriguez said. “Whether it’s providing direct patient care, assisting medical staff, preparing patients or supporting daily hospital operations, my job helps keep our people healthy and ready. Navy Medicine plays an important role in making sure our warfighters can continue their mission, even in challenging environments around the world.”
Rodriguez said the small moments are where she’s seen Navy Medicine make the biggest impact.
“I’ve seen Navy Medicine make a difference in the small moments, especially when it comes to making patients feel safe and welcomed,” Rodriguez said. “Working on a Maritime Support Wing, I get to interact with patients during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Being able to make someone laugh, smile or feel more comfortable can mean a lot. It’s taught me that caring for patients goes beyond their medical needs. It’s also about making them feel seen, supported and safe.”
Rodriguez said people usually don’t know about the different roles a hospital corpsman can have.
“Being a corpsman isn’t just one specific job or skill set,” Rodriguez said. “We can work in hospitals, clinics, operational environments and alongside Marines, and our responsibilities can change depending on where we’re needed. What I enjoy most is knowing that wherever I’m assigned, I’m part of a team that directly contributes to taking care of our people.”
NMRTC’s mission is to prepare service members to deploy in support of operational forces, deliver high-quality healthcare services and shape the future of military medicine through education, training and research.
NMRTC Rota serves as a force multiplier in Navy Medicine’s strategic global medical support mission throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East while also supporting operational readiness and maintaining a strategic repository of expertise at the Naval Hospital Rota Military Treatment Facility within the Iberian Peninsula.
Navy Medicine – represented by more than 44,000 highly-trained military and civilian health care professionals – provides enduring expeditionary medical support to the warfighter on, below and above the sea and ashore.
With 90% of global commerce traveling by sea and access to the internet relying on the security of undersea fiber-optic cables, Navy officials continue to emphasize that the prosperity of the United States is directly linked to recruiting and retaining talented people from across the rich fabric of America.
This year, the Navy is commemorating its contribution to the nation’s defense as the United States celebrates 250 years of independence. According to Navy officials, for more than 250 years, the Navy has sailed the globe defending freedom and protecting prosperity. For more information, visit: https://www.navy.mil/navy-250/
When reflecting on her Navy career, Rodriguez considers the personal growth she’s gained since joining as a defining milestone.
“My proudest accomplishment so far has been becoming a hospital corpsman and earning the opportunity to serve overseas,” Rodriguez said. “Moving to Spain and starting my Navy career has pushed me outside of my comfort zone and taught me how much I’m capable of. I’m especially proud of the growth I’ve gained since joining. Knowing that I can make a positive difference in someone’s experience is something I’m really proud of.”
Rodriguez is also proud of advancing to petty officer third class.
“During Hospital Corpsman ‘A’ School, I was fortunate enough to graduate in the top 10% of my class and was selected for the Academic Advanced Program,” Rodriguez said. “This achievement is a reflection of the dedication and effort I put into my training, and I am thankful that it contributed to this advancement. I look forward to continuing to grow as a hospital corpsman, taking on greater responsibility, and providing the highest level of care to my patients and team.”
Rodriguez serves a Navy that operates far forward, around the world and around the clock, promoting the nation’s prosperity and security.
“Wearing the uniform is a reminder that I’m part of something bigger than myself,” Rodriguez said. “It represents the responsibility I have to serve others, take care of my patients and teammates, and represent the Navy wherever I go. Being stationed overseas has made me appreciate the opportunity I’ve been given to experience different cultures and serve alongside people from different backgrounds. I’m proud to wear the uniform and be part of Navy Medicine.”
Among her memorable experiences, Rodriguez said getting to experience life overseas stands out.
“One of the most memorable parts of my service has been getting to experience life overseas,” Rodriguez said. “Being stationed in Spain has allowed me to travel and experience places and cultures that I never would have experienced if I hadn’t joined the Navy. It’s still crazy to me that I can call Spain my home while serving in the Navy. It’s definitely something I never expected when I first joined, and it’s an experience I’ll always remember.”
Rodriguez said Navy Medicine plays a vital role in operational readiness.
“In my opinion, what makes Navy Medicine different is the sense of purpose behind the care we provide,” Rodriguez said. “As a hospital corpsman, I’m not only focused on helping a patient get better, but also on helping keep our sailors, Marines and families healthy and ready. I’ve also learned that Navy Medicine is very team-oriented. Everyone has a role, and we rely on each other to provide the best care possible. For me, the biggest difference is knowing that the care I provide is connected to something bigger than just one patient. It contributes to the readiness and well-being of the Navy community.”
Rodriguez offered advice to others who may be considering following in her footsteps.
“I would tell them to keep an open mind and not be afraid to challenge themselves,” Rodriguez said. “Navy Medicine allows you to build medical skills, meet people from all different backgrounds, travel and make a difference in someone’s life. You also learn a lot about yourself along the way. It can be challenging, but if you enjoy helping people and want a career that gives you purpose while providing opportunities to grow, I would definitely encourage you to consider it.”
