Erik Rodriguez, MD, has spent most of his life in Georgia and is proud to call it home – but his career path likely started even before he was born. His great grandfather was a physician in Cuba, and later in the United States, so becoming a doctor himself might have always been in the cards. Dr. Rodriguez said he’s excited to take after his great grandfather as he starts caring for patients at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group (NGPG) Flowery Branch.
“I grew up an hour away, in Cobb County, and it finally hit me in college that I wanted to become a doctor,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “I looked back at my heritage and saw so many people who worked hard, helped others and really made a difference – and that’s a noble tradition I want to carry on.”
Dr. Rodriguez’s maternal family is deeply rooted in the United States, particularly the South, while his paternal family is of Cuban and Spanish descent. Although both sides of his family include successful individuals, his father’s family had to leave everything behind and start from scratch when they fled to the U.S. amidst the Cuban Revolution in the 1950s.
They worked hard – his great grandmother specifically – to become successful again in their new country. She took a job as a job as a secretary at Columbia University after arriving in New York City. Working during the day and studying at night, she earned a doctorate degree and eventually became the head of the Spanish literature department at Columbia.
“That’s the kind of hard work that’s always inspired me,” Dr. Rodriguez said. “I’ve seen it firsthand and heard stories about generations before me, so it’s something I aspire to emulate in my own life and professional career.”
Dr. Rodriguez earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Georgia and went on to receive his medical degree from Trinity School of Medicine. He then completed his family medicine residency at Wellstar Kennestone in Marietta.
When he’s not at work, Dr. Rodriguez enjoys spending time with his wife, their two children and their dog, Lucy. He also enjoys going on runs – checking a marathon off his bucket list a few years ago – and reading a good book.
NGPG Flowery Branch is open Monday through Friday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and is located at 4919 Atlanta Highway. Call 770-848-9160 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez or visit ngpg.org/rodriguez to learn more. In 2025, NGPG Flowery Branch will move less than a mile down the road to a new medical office building along Phil Niekro Boulevard in Flowery Branch.
NGPG is an affiliate of Northeast Georgia Health System.