Meet Rod Zuniga at Psychiatry of the Palm Beaches in Florida

Born in Chile and raised in Utah, Rod Zuniga is a patriotic American with an intuitive understanding of multiculturism. Rod has two Bachelor of Science degrees, from Weber State University in Utah and Miami Dade College. His postgraduate degree in Medicine is from Saint Francis University in Pennsylvania. He has native skills in both Spanish and English and enjoys working with patients in both languages.

Rod moved to Florida and worked in Emergency Medicine with both Spanish and English-speaking patients. Helping patients in the ER, he saw how empathy, patience, and good communication are vital for understanding the emotional struggles of patients with psychiatric disorders.

One particularly impactful episode motivated Rod to transition from emergency medicine to psychiatry. During a hectic night shift in the emergency room, a patient arrived in distress, exhibiting signs of severe anxiety and panic. Instead of treating the patient’s immediate symptoms, he took a moment to engage in conversation, asking about the underlying causes of the anxiety. Through active listening, the patient revealed a history of traumatic events that had triggered debilitating panic attacks. His empathetic approach and genuine concern allowed the patient to open up and share, allowing for a therapeutic connection. This experience highlighted the power of providing holistic care by addressing the root causes of mental health issues, rather than merely treating immediate symptoms.

Rod wanted to become a PA in psychiatry because it offers a unique and fulfilling career path. It allows him to directly impact the lives of patients and to develop deep connections with patients creating long-lasting relationships that promote well-being and facilitate the journey towards recovery.

Rod’s traits include empathy, effective communication, patience, active listening, and adaptability, all qualities that are crucial in the realm of psychiatry. He believes that establishing a foundation of trust by listening, truly listening, is so important in the partnership with patients to help them overcome and thrive. The mission of “helping you to live your best life” inspires him every day.

In his own words, “I believe some life coaching messages that give strength for life and psychiatric health include empathy, active promotion of self-compassion, encouragement of healthy coping strategies, and self-reflection.” Rod believes that to live your best life, promoting physical as well as mental health and good relationships can lead to a happy and fulfilling life.

Rod’s first concern is to always carefully listen and understand what you are feeling and have experienced. Along with empathetic understanding, strong communication skills are necessary for building trust and establishing a therapeutic alliance. Patience and active listening are also vital for long-lasting relationships between the patient and provider. Rod enjoys seeing patients get better and live their best lives, as they establish trust, and coping skills, and learn to overcome obstacles. He believes everyone can benefit from a life coach. Rod is truly inspired by daily making a lasting difference in the lives of individuals grappling with mental health challenges.

Other than cultivating unique and long-lasting relationships with patients, he believes psychiatry offers ongoing learning opportunities as it continually evolves with advancements in research and treatment modalities, making this field an intellectually rewarding and stimulating career choice.

Rod’s friends and loved ones would describe him as a family man. He enjoys spending time with his family and going on different adventures anywhere he can. He loves the outdoors and camping with his two boys and his wife. One memorable and impactful family trip was spending time in the Amazon with natives, realizing that we are all part of nature. When traveling and doing his daily duties, he also enjoys what he learned in Emergency Medicine and preparedness. Once you work in the Emergency Medicine field you can help anyone at any time, and you can be helpful in any medical crisis.

You can simply call us to book an appointment.

Patients love to get their treatments from Rod Zuniga, for more information, you can check out patient reviews!