Deborah A. Rodriguez, CTR

Deborah Rodriguez, CTR, Associate Director of Cancer Services is a seasoned coordinator of cancer services with 38 years’ experience. Debbie has spent her career focused on ensuring others have opportunities to grow and that they better understand the needs of cancer patients. Debbie has had many roles at Richmond University Medical Center, including Clerk in Cancer Registry, Certified Tumor Registrar – Manager, HIM- Associate Director, and her present title of Associate Director of Cancer Services.

Debbie has been an integral component to the hospital’s cancer program accreditation under the American College of Surgeons. Debbie has worked side by side the oncology department to ensure the hospital maintains the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer Accreditation for optimal quality cancer patient diagnosis and management. Debbie’s work has launched improvement in services such as a designated oncology nutritionist, cancer patient’s cookbook, outpatient behavioral health support services for cancer patients and their families, and the “Look Good Feel Better” program for women undergoing cancer treatment.

She has also increased access to healthcare for the underserved through free screenings and assessments for colon, cervical, and breast cancer. Most recently she helped develop and launch a skin cancer prevention program at the hospital’s school-based medical facility in Susan E. Wagner High School.

With an eye for creativity Debbie often organizes fundraising activities and support for Cancer Patients and Research for the Cure. She also proudly organizes the hospital’s annual Survivors Day celebrations where both patients and staff come together to socialize and support one another. Debbie has mentored students interested in oncology careers, lectured at New York State Cancer Registry Annual Education Conferences, and is a board member for the local and national Cancer Registry.

Debbie was born and raised on Staten Island. Raised by a single mother, the late Joyce Amaniera, along with her four siblings, she has a heart for sharing as well as creating. Debbie is no stranger to lending a helping hand to anyone needing assistance or just a smile. Debbie is married to her husband George and is blessed with a son Daniel whose goal is to join the military when he gets older.