Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez

About Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez

Estelamari Rodriguez is a board-certified medical oncologist and hematologist who practices in Miami, Florida. She focuses on treating pleural mesothelioma and other cancers that affect the chest, including lung cancer.

She also serves as Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center. In this role, she helps connect people with cancer screenings, specialists, and treatment services. This work is especially important for mesothelioma patients, who often experience delays in diagnosis.

In the clinic, Dr. Rodriguez takes time to make sure patients understand their mesothelioma diagnosis and what to expect next. Mesothelioma is a complex disease, so she explains each treatment in clear terms and helps patients feel more confident in their decisions.

Dr. Rodriguez also teaches at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she works with medical students and trainees while staying closely involved in new developments in cancer care.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Rodriguez and other top mesothelioma specialists for treatment.

What Health Conditions Does Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez Treat?

As a specialist in thoracic oncology, Dr. Rodriguez treats mesothelioma and a range of other cancers affecting the chest and surrounding areas. She is triple board-certified in internal medicine, medical oncology, and hematology, reflecting her extensive medical expertise.

Her primary areas of focus include:

• Pleural mesothelioma: The most common type of this cancer
• Lung cancer: Both early and late-stage cases
• Other chest-related conditions: Complex cancers requiring multidisciplinary treatment

She works closely with surgical teams and specialists to ensure patients receive comprehensive cancer treatment tailored to their condition.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez’s Approach to Mesothelioma Treatment

Dr. Rodriguez focuses on delivering personalized mesothelioma treatment based on each patient’s diagnosis, cancer stage, and overall health.

Her treatment approach may include:

• Chemotherapy: Using cancer-killing drugs that travel throughout the body
• Clinical trials: Expanding access to emerging treatments and new therapies
• Immunotherapy: Helping the immune system find and attack mesothelioma tumors
• Multidisciplinary care: Coordinating with mesothelioma surgeons for care when appropriate

“The most important factor is the patient’s wishes. When discussing surgery vs. chemotherapy or immunotherapy vs. chemotherapy, patients’ preferences and goals (quality of life vs. aggressive treatment) are essential. These are truly shared decision visits.”
– Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez, mesothelioma specialist

She works alongside specialists such as Dr. Nestor Villamizar to ensure patients have access to a full range of treatment options. Dr. Rodriguez also prioritizes education and communication, helping mesothelioma patients understand their care plans and potential outcomes.

Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor to help guide conversations with mesothelioma specialists like Dr. Rodriguez.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez’s Medical Background

Estelamari Rodriguez, MD, has an international and research-driven background in oncology, hematology, and public health.

She earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Universidad Autónoma de Madrid in Spain and her medical degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Medical Center.

Her career has included experience at respected institutions such as Mount Sinai Medical Center, Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, and the University of Pennsylvania, where she developed expertise in thoracic oncology and clinical research.

She is currently part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she contributes to both patient care and academic research.

Work Experience

Dr. Rodriguez has held several important roles in oncology, research, and community-focused health care.

Her professional experience includes:

• Medical oncologist at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
• Associate Director of Community Outreach and Engagement
• Faculty member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
• Clinical roles at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami
• Training at Presbyterian Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania
• Participation in oncology initiatives across South Florida

Her work reflects a strong focus on expanding access to care and improving outcomes for diverse patient populations.

Highlights of Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez’s Medical Career

Dr. Rodriguez is recognized for her leadership in thoracic oncology, her work advancing lung cancer screening programs, and her commitment to reducing disparities in cancer care.

Awards and Accolades

Dr. Rodriguez has received recognition for her leadership, research contributions, and commitment to patient education.

Notable highlights include:

• Best Attending of the Year – Teaching Service, Mount Sinai Medical Center
• Honoree, Hispanic Women of Distinction (Latina Style Magazine)
• Honoree, Women of Inspiration, City of North Miami
• Leadership roles within the ACS and other cancer advocacy initiatives
• Patient Educator of the Year Award from Cancer GRACE
• Top 63 Hispanic/Latino Leaders to Know by Becker’s Healthcare (2024)

These distinctions highlight her influence in oncology and her ongoing efforts to expand access to care and education for diverse patient communities.

Professional Affiliations

Dr. Rodriguez maintains active membership and leadership involvement in many professional organizations that shape cancer research, clinical practice, and policy.

Her affiliations include:

• American Association for Cancer Research
• American Cancer Society
• American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
• American Society of Hematology
• Florida Society of Clinical Oncology (FLASCO)
• International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)

She also contributes to national research and equity initiatives through committee work with cooperative oncology groups and mentoring programs that support the next generation of diverse oncology professionals.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez’s Work in Mesothelioma Treatment & Clinical Trials

Dr. Rodriguez integrates clinical research into her daily practice, helping bring new treatment options to mesothelioma patients.

She participates in clinical trials for lung cancer and pleural mesothelioma, including studies involving immunotherapy and targeted therapies.

Her work also examines how health care systems can better serve diverse populations, especially Hispanic communities and other underserved groups in South Florida.

Use our Free Doctor Match to connect with Dr. Rodriguez for expert guidance on treatment and clinical trials.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez’s Cancer Research and Published Works

Dr. Rodriguez has authored numerous articles focused on thoracic cancer treatment, lung cancer screening, and improving access to care for different populations. Her research also explores precision medicine, health disparities, and patient-centered cancer care.

Some of her published works include:

• Utilizing patient-derived organoid tumor models to combat chemo-immunotherapy resistance in non-small cell lung cancer. Published in Cancer Research (AACR Annual Meeting), April 2026.
• USPSTF Lung Cancer Screening Guidelines and Disparities in Screening Adherence. Published in JAMA Oncology, July 2025.
• Language matters: Impact of medical interpretation on lung cancer screening adherence. Published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, June 2025.
• Social Determinants of Health Impact on Survival of Patients With Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Published in Annals of Thoracic Surgery Short Reports, June 2023.

Dr. Rodriguez has studied improving cancer outcomes through early detection, expanding access to screening and treatment, and addressing barriers that affect specific groups of patients.

Get Connected With Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez

A mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming, especially when trying to understand treatment options and where to go for care.

Dr. Estelamari Rodriguez is known for her thoughtful and compassionate approach. She works closely with patients and families to help them feel informed and supported throughout their care.

At Mesothelioma Hope, we connect patients and caregivers with experienced specialists, treatment centers, and helpful resources.

If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure, you can reach out to our Patient Advocates 24/7 for medical guidance and support. Call (866) 608-8933 or use our Free Doctor Match to get started.