For Lucan Rodrigues, MD ’08, medicine has always been more than a profession—it’s a calling rooted in compassion, driven by science, and fueled by an unwavering commitment to care for others. Specializing in geriatric and palliative care, Dr. Rodrigues’ chosen specialty reflects a deep sense of purpose, especially in serving aging populations with dignity and empathy.
“I’ve always been drawn to listening to people’s stories and honoring the full arc of their lives,” shared Dr. Rodrigues. “Not just treating medical conditions, but supporting dignity, quality of life, and personal goals, especially in complex or vulnerable moments.”
Today the St. George’s University School of Medicine graduate is based in Queens, NY where he is the Chief Medical Officer for NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney, a role he has recently stepped into. Dr. Rodrigues is triple board-certified in internal medicine, geriatrics, and palliative and hospice medicine. He also received the designation of Certified Medical Director (CMD) from the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine.
Dr. Rodrigues is dedicated to providing high-quality, patient-centered care for some of the city’s most vulnerable populations at NYC Health + Hospitals/McKinney in Brooklyn where patients have access to short-term rehabilitation services and long-term skilled nursing services. Learn more about his role and the journey that led him there.
SGU: What are your responsibilities in your new role? How do you hope to make an impact in this position?
Dr. Rodrigues: I currently serve as the chief medical officer overseeing all the medical operations of the McKinney facility. Overall, I hope to make an impact by delivering high quality, compassionate, uncompromised care that also brings value and state-of-the-art technology.
In this position, there is an opportunity to be both caregiver and change agent. Working with the elderly population with a background in palliative care, I hope to directly improve the quality of life for older adults and those facing serious illness. I seek to do this through thoughtful communication and advocating for treatments that align with a person’s values.
Beyond individual patients, there are opportunities to impact the community. This can be done by promoting awareness around aging, helping families navigate complex decisions, reducing unnecessary hospitalizations, and supporting dignified end-of-life experiences. This is knowledge that empowers caregivers and the broader public, hence making our community more supportive, informed, and age friendly.
SGU: Why did you choose to go into geriatrics and palliative care? What drew you to this specialty?
Dr. Rodrigues: There was a lot of overlap with geriatrics and palliative medicine, so it was natural to engage in both fields. It was an opportunity to provide deeply human centered, relationship-based care.
During the intensive care rotations in residency, it was the challenging conversations with families that gravitated me towards palliative care. It gave me a strong sense of professional satisfaction when helping families sort out complex medical information allowing them to make crucial medical decisions.
Taking care of the elderly is its own special reward as we will all get to that stage at some point. There is something profoundly meaningful about being trusted during those stages in life. I do not take for granted the ability to ease suffering, advocate for what matters most to the patient, and support families. It’s a field that requires not just clinical skill, but presence, patience, and compassion.
SGU: What are some of your most memorable experiences or notable achievements since graduation?
Dr. Rodrigues: Since graduating SGU, I have had the honor to train in very prestigious institutions for residency and fellowship. Also being able to serve as part of the medical leadership within NYC Health + Hospitals is a great opportunity to give back to the city where I grew up.
SGU: Why did you choose SGU?
Dr. Rodrigues: In my opinion, SGU is a reputable organization with a proven track record for graduates who have successful careers and positively impact the medical field after graduation.
SGU: How did SGU prepare you for your career?
Dr. Rodrigues: SGU provided me with a strong foundation in learning. I was also fortunate to be a member of the Iota Epsilon Alpha Medical Honor Society. The professors and graduate teaching assistants really spent a lot of time ensuring students received a well-rounded education in a nurturing and compassionate environment.
SGU: What are your favorite memories from your time at SGU?
Dr. Rodrigues: I fondly remember a wonderful catamaran excursion to neighboring islands, the orientation trip to Grand Etang Forest, the adventurous group hike up Mount Soufriere, a live volcano in St. Vincent, and much more. I loved unwinding after class with a little snorkeling along the calm, clear waters of Grande Anse beach. I remember eating the delicious rotis sold outside of class with the classic scotch bonnet pepper sauce. The best part of these memories was time spent with a great group of people from such diverse backgrounds, helping forge friendships that are still in blossom today.
SGU: What advice would you offer to aspiring doctors who are considering SGU?
Dr. Rodrigues: Medicine is a noble profession and remains a truly rewarding experience. Enjoy the journey with all its exuberant excitement and frustrating tribulations. There is none like it in the world.
