National Patient Advocate | Kidney & Liver Transplant Recipient
David Rodriguez is a kidney and liver transplant recipient, national patient advocate, and Senior Political Analyst dedicated to improving access to transplantation and advancing patient-centered healthcare policy.
A native of Brownsville, Texas, David was diagnosed with kidney failure due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). After three years on dialysis, he received a successful kidney transplant in 2011 through the Paired-Exchange Donation Program at the University Health Transplant Institute in San Antonio, Texas. In 2022, he underwent a liver transplant, further strengthening his commitment to advocacy and patient education.
David has extensive professional experience working within a transplant center, including his role at the University Health Transplant Institute in San Antonio, Texas, where he served as a Patient Navigator and Patient Relationship Specialist. In these roles, he supported patient education, developed referral networks, and worked closely with dialysis centers, physicians, and community organizations to increase access to transplantation and living donor awareness.
He serves in leadership roles with the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP), including Board of Directors and Executive Committee positions, contributing to national efforts in patient engagement and healthcare policy. David is also actively involved with organizations such as the American Kidney Fund, National Kidney Foundation, and American Liver Foundation, supporting advocacy, education, and health equity initiatives.
In addition to his advocacy work, David serves as a Senior Political Analyst with EMC Strategy Group, LLC, where he contributes to policy research, legislative and municipal tracking, and strategic analysis supporting government and community initiatives.
David is the author of Navigating Kidney Failure: A Comprehensive Guide to Managing Your Health and Resourcesand has published a Patient Voice article in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology titled “Kidney Disease Burden and Kidney Transplantation: A True Story.” His work has been recognized with multiple national and regional awards for advocacy and volunteer service.
As a bilingual speaker and educator, David continues to engage audiences across the country, sharing his personal journey and encouraging patients to actively pursue better health outcomes, including transplantation.
In his personal time, he enjoys cooking, traveling, watching sports, and reading history and biographies.
