Dr. Zoe Rodriguez NYC Explained: Why This Mount Sinai Expert Is a Transgender Care Pioneer

Dr. Zoe Rodriguez NYC Explained: Why This Mount Sinai Expert Is a Transgender Care Pioneer

New York City’s healthcare landscape is massive. It's easy to get lost in a sea of sterile hallways and generic hospital websites. But if you’ve spent any time looking into specialized gynecologic care or gender-affirming surgery in Manhattan, one name pops up almost immediately: Dr. Zoe Rodriguez.

She isn't just another doctor in a white coat. Honestly, for many in the LGBTQ+ community and those dealing with complex fibroids, she’s become a bit of a local legend.

Dr. Zoe Rodriguez, MD, currently serves as the Vice Chair of Operations for the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Mount Sinai Downtown. She's also the Medical Director of OB/GYN outpatient services at the Phillips Ambulatory Care Center.

She's been in the game for over 25 years. That’s a long time.

The Reality of Dr. Zoe Rodriguez NYC Reviews

When you Google a doctor, the first thing you usually look at is the star rating. For Dr. Rodriguez, the numbers are actually pretty interesting because they tell two different stories. On Zocdoc, she’s rocking a 4.79 out of 5 from hundreds of patients. Then you hop over to Healthgrades or Yelp, and the numbers dip a bit.

Why the gap?

If you read the actual text of the reviews, the praise is consistent: patients call her "down to earth," "honest," and "a breath of fresh air." People love that she doesn't talk down to them. She’s bilingual in English and Spanish, which is a massive deal in NYC.

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The lower ratings? They almost always point to the administrative headaches of the Mount Sinai system—long wait times, insurance snafus, or the difficulty of getting someone on the phone. It's the classic "great doctor, big hospital" dilemma.

A Specialist in Transgender Medicine

This is where Dr. Rodriguez really stands out from your average OB/GYN. She was a founding member of the steering committee for the Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery (CTMS) at Mount Sinai.

Think about that.

She helped build the first medically integrated program for transgender care at an academic institution in the U.S. She doesn't just "see" trans patients; she specializes in the specific surgical and hormonal needs of gender non-conforming individuals.

Her clinical focus includes:

  • Gender-affirming hysterectomies (removal of the uterus).
  • Oophorectomies (removal of ovaries).
  • Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) management.
  • Coordination of complex "bottom surgery" with plastic surgery teams.

For many trans men and non-binary folks, the OB/GYN office is a source of intense anxiety. Dr. Rodriguez has built a reputation for creating a space where pronouns are respected and the "medical gaze" isn't judgmental.

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Beyond the Basics: Surgical Expertise

If you aren't there for gender-affirming care, you’re likely there because something is physically wrong. Dr. Rodriguez is a self-described "surgical scholar." She specifically focuses on minimally invasive procedures.

Nobody wants a massive scar.

She uses hysteroscopy and laparoscopy to treat things like uterine fibroids and abnormal bleeding. Instead of a large abdominal incision, she uses tiny cameras and tools. This means less time in a hospital bed and a much faster return to real life.

She’s also a big name in treating:

  1. HPV and Pap Smear abnormalities: She handles a higher volume of these cases than the average provider.
  2. Excessive menstrual bleeding: Finding the "why" behind the "what."
  3. Fibroids: Helping patients avoid total hysterectomies when possible.

Education and Credentials

You can’t practice at Mount Sinai without the pedigree. Dr. Rodriguez graduated from New York Medical College in 1996. She stayed local for her residency at Westchester Medical Center and Metropolitan Hospital Center.

She’s been a board-certified OB/GYN since the early 2000s.

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She isn't just practicing; she's teaching. As an Assistant Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine, she’s been named "Faculty Teacher of the Year" twice. That matters because it means she’s the one training the next generation of NYC surgeons. If she’s good enough to teach it, she’s usually good enough to do it.

How to Actually See Her

If you’re trying to book an appointment, she primarily works out of 10 Union Square East (Suite 3E).

She’s affiliated with several hospitals:

  • Mount Sinai Beth Israel
  • Mount Sinai West
  • Mount Sinai Morningside
  • Mount Sinai Brooklyn

She takes most major insurance: Aetna, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare—the usual suspects. But a word of advice? Verify your specific plan before you show up. The "Empire Blue Cross" vs. "Empire Blue Cross Exchange" distinction has tripped up many a patient in NYC.

Actionable Insights for New Patients

If you’re considering Dr. Zoe Rodriguez NYC for your care, keep these steps in mind to make the process smoother.

  • Use the Portal: Mount Sinai’s MyChart is often faster for refills and quick questions than calling the front desk.
  • Prepare for the Wait: Because she is a Vice Chair and a specialist, her office can be hectic. If you have an afternoon appointment, expect a wait. Aim for the first slot in the morning if you can.
  • Bring Your History: Especially for transgender care or complex fibroid surgery, bring copies of your previous labs or imaging. It prevents the "we need to order another test" delay.
  • Specify Your Needs: When booking, be very clear if you are looking for a routine check-up or a surgical consultation. The time slots for these are handled differently.

Dr. Rodriguez represents a shift in NYC medicine—moving away from the "doctor as a god" model toward a more collaborative, inclusive approach. Whether you're navigating a transition or just need a surgeon who understands that your time is valuable, she remains one of the most sought-after names in the city.


Next Steps for Patients

Check your insurance provider’s directory specifically for "Mount Sinai Beth Israel" to ensure Dr. Rodriguez is in-network for your specific plan tier. Once confirmed, you can book through the Mount Sinai "Find a Doctor" portal or via Zocdoc, though calling the Union Square office directly at 212-844-8590 is often the most reliable way to confirm availability for surgical consultations.