How One Doctor Is Transforming Ovarian Cancer Treatment

I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Lorna Rodriguez, a medical doctor with a PhD in biochemistry and a true double doc! 👩🏽‍⚕️💥

Dr. Lorna Rodriguez is a nationally recognized gynecologic oncology surgeon and Vice Chair of Faculty Development in the Department of Surgery at City of Hope National Medical Center, where she also serves on the Enterprise Leadership Team. A Professor in the Division of Gynecologic Oncology, she has spent over 30 years as a clinician, researcher, and educator at some of the top medical institutions in the United States.

Her research focuses on ovarian cancer, particularly targeting the CD44 receptor, which contributes to drug resistance and cancer aggressiveness. She leads clinical trials and a multi-laboratory collaborative group developing novel immunotherapies to accelerate scientific breakthroughs.

Beyond the lab, she’s a hands-on surgeon who believes deeply in understanding cancer through direct surgical experience, which she uses to guide treatment with chemotherapy and radiation when necessary.

She holds a:

• MD from the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine

• PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry

• Fellowship in Gynecologic Oncology from the University of Michigan Medical School

We dive deep into the sneaky symptoms of ovarian cancer, why early detection is so difficult, and what every woman should know about protecting her health.

Whether you’ve experienced symptoms, know someone who has, or want to stay informed, this episode is a must-watch.

💡 Topics we cover:

• What is a gynecologic oncologist?

• Ovarian cancer signs & why they’re often missed

• How to advocate for yourself with your doctor

• Treatments, tests, and real patient journeys

• Support for families & loved ones

• Why laughter is the best medicine

  
  

📍 Dr. Rodriguez is at City of Hope, Duarte, California.