Learner Spotlight: Ariel Rodgers – Surgical Critical Care Fellow
Ariel Rodgers, MD, is a surgical critical care fellow in the Division of General Surgery. Her work in critical care helps ensure trauma patients receive the care they need when they need it.
“Choosing surgical critical care grants me the opportunity to work in an intensive care unit and enhance my care for burn patients,” Rodgers said. “But it also facilitates the refinement and nurturing of my general surgery skills.”
Before joining the surgical critical care fellowship, Rodgers completed a residency in general surgery at San Joaquin General Hospital, then chose to pursue a subspecialty in the field. Her passion for treating burn patients evolved into a desire to help patients at all stages of the acute trauma healing process. Rodgers initially planned to focus on reconstructive burn surgery but chose to broaden her scope and include a more comprehensive approach to her specialty.
Rodgers was drawn to the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine fellowships, in part, because of the unique opportunities offered. In particular, she was interested in the program’s focus on continual enhancement of her existing general surgery skills, which ensures a comprehensive and progressive educational experience. Rodgers also felt the leadership and research avenues were unmatched, allowing her to meaningfully contribute to the advancement of surgical practices.
“This fellowship is tailored to cultivate the qualities necessary to become the surgical leader I aspire to be,” Rodgers reflected. “Having participated in numerous conferences and served on trauma and surgical critical care committees, I've gained invaluable insights beyond the surgical domain, enriching my overall experience.”
While Rodgers knows how daunting such a high-pressure fellowship can seem, she encourages others considering the same path to be open to the possibilities and unique learning experiences the specialty can offer. Additionally, she hopes future fellows know that they are not alone on this journey.
“If you are ever in doubt, please know you can reach out for help,” Rodgers said. “There are so many times I have needed help, and there has always been someone to help me work through my thoughts and find a solution. You can't do this by yourself but know that someone always has your back.”