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Analiz Rodriguez is director of neurosurgical oncology and associate professor of neurosurgery at the UAMS.

Hometown: Cape Coral, Florida

My training: Bachelor’s degree from New College of Florida; M.D. and Ph.D. from Case Western Reserve University in Ohio; neurosurgery residency at Wake Forest Medical Center in North Carolina; neurosurgical oncology fellowship at City of Hope National Medical Center in California

My job: Director of neurosurgical oncology and associate professor of neurosurgery at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Analiz wanted to be a doctor since she was a little girl. Her mother raised Analiz to believe she can do anything and did everything in her power as a mother to be encouraging, as did various mentors who helped her through the years. Chasing her dream, Anazliz earned a M.D./Ph.D. to conduct research and take care of patients. 

Now a neurosurgeon, she runs a cancer research laboratory along with daily clinical duties. Most days, she works 10-to-12-hours and is often on-call to cover neurosurgical emergencies. 

“You need a strong support system,” Analiz said. “You also have to learn healthy habits to relieve the stress while also managing your time and fitting everything in.” 

Her favorite aspect of the job is interacting with patients; Analiz said they are the most inspiring people she’s ever met. She especially finds inspiration in her terminal patients.

Analiz encourages students who are interested in a career in medicine to work closely with their guidance counselor to find the best college that will help them reach their goals. Many colleges have exceptional pre-med mentor programs. 

“Get into a good college that fits your personality and learning style,” Analiz said. “I went to a small liberal arts honors college, which had a very good science program and small classes. Think about what environment is best for your style of learning. You need to do well in college in order to be competitive for medical school.”

Ultimately, Analiz said, “...it comes down to hard work—you have to put in the work.”

How long does it take to become a DOCTOR?

“Saving someone’s life is always a cool feeling. It will never get old.” 

-Meryll Bouldin, UAMS ER doctor (pictured left)

► Education required: 

• Four years of undergrad
• Four years of medical school
• Three-to-seven years of residency (depends on your specialty; see below)
• Optional: Post-residency fellowship
• Optional: Board certification process

► Primary Care Physicians / 11 years

The payoff: An average salary of $218,870 in Arkansas 

► Surgeons / 16 years

The payoff: An average salary of $248,380 in Arkansas; specialized surgeons like cardiac and neurosurgeons can make a lot more.

► Anesthesiologists / 12 years

The payoff: An average salary of $241,710 in Arkansas

► Psychiatrists / 8 years

The payoff: An average salary of $180,820 in Arkansas

► Dentists / 8 years

(If you want to be an orthodontist, add three to four more years to your education plan.) 

The payoff: An average salary of $168,420 in Arkansas

► Pharmacists / 8 years

The payoff: An average salary of $120,020 in Arkansas

Sources: American Board of Physician Specialties, nurse.org, kumc.edu, salary.com, payscale.com

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