GRMC now offers expanded access for TRICARE beneficiaries As of Jan. 1, 2025, TRICARE beneficiaries now have expanded access to Guadalupe Regional Medical Center and many of its local physicians through a new agreement with TriWest Healthcare Alliance. With TriWest now serving as the TRICARE West Region administrator, GRMC’s network provides care for active duty, National Guard, Reserve, and retired service members and their families. GRMC also maintains a separate TRICARE contract through CHRISTUS Health Plan under the U.S. Family Health Plan. 2 Let our ‘best of the best’ help you find wellness GRMEDCENTER.COM In this issue Springtime is traditionally a time associated with dirt work—digging, planting or sowing, and fertilizing to create a beautiful and productive garden. Here at Guadalupe Regional Medical Center, we are doing the same by figuratively and literally breaking ground in many areas to maintain a healthy community. The following pages provide details on recent local and national awards, once again highlighting our commitment to compassion and quality care. In conjunction with our highly skilled medical staff, we are constantly adopting proven, cuttingedge technologies and medical services. Two areas we highlight here are cardiac care and prostate cancer treatment. Construction is underway for the Laurel Medical Office Building, a sister building to the Willow on Highway 90A. This time next year, the Laurel will be a busy hub for over a dozen primary care providers caring for our region. Springtime at GRMC is a busy season, as we continue to plant seeds of success for the community and our shared future. SPRING 2025 Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 Growing for your good health An architectural rendering of the Laurel Medical Office Building
What sets Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center apart and has earned us four consecutive “Best of the Best” awards? It’s our philosophy of being More Than a Gym. At our Wellness Center, we’re dedicated to fostering a community that supports people of all ages, backgrounds and fitness levels— going beyond just physical fitness. Our members enjoy a variety of options, including group fitness classes, a temperaturecontrolled pool, a virtual group fitness studio, a functional training area and a Performance Training Center that houses the Parisi Speed School for kids as young as 7 years. There’s truly something for everyone. It’s our passionate team that indisputably sets us apart. From our Cardiac and Pulmonary Rehab to our front-desk staff, group fitness instructors and personal trainers, we all share a commitment to improving our members’ well-being. We’re not just a gym—we’re a place where people thrive, connect and grow. 2 | GRMC Health Currents “I have been a member of the Wellness Center for 12 years. I love the trainers for keeping me strong. They modify and help me in every way they can. Most of all, I love the social aspect. I have many friends I love in here that I have been so close to for many years.” —Bobbie Ray Where fitness meets community
Inpatient Rehab Unit’s endless mission Our Inpatient Rehab Unit (IPRU) at GRMC has earned Seguin’s “Best of the Best” award for four consecutive years, reflecting the passion behind our exceptional care. What sets us apart is our individualized treatments and collaborative, patientcentered approach. Patients have immediate access to specialists, imaging, dialysis and other services within the full-service medical center, ensuring seamless care. A standout feature of our IPRU team is their infectious energy and genuine care. Led by Xin Zhang, MD, we collaborate with patients to create rehabilitation plans focused on independence and functionality. At the IPRU, our culture is built on collaboration, compassion and respect. Our therapists and nurses go beyond medical care, forming lasting connections that foster trust and comfort. This patient-first mentality ensures smoother recoveries and positive outcomes. We prioritize clear communication with families, home evaluations and personalized discharge plans, setting us apart from other rehab centers. The dedication of our team has made the IPRU a leader in rehabilitation, creating a lasting impact on patients’ recovery journeys. The heart of Guadalupe Regional Hospice At Guadalupe Regional Hospice, we’re incredibly proud to have earned the “Best of the Best” award for the fourth time. This honor is not just a title; it represents the team’s tireless dedication to providing patients and their families with the support, comfort and love they need during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Our success is rooted in our collaborative, holistic approach to care. Nurses, social workers, chaplains and CNAs all work together to meet each patient’s unique needs and offer emotional support to their families. We also provide bereavement counseling, often lasting up to 13 months or more after a patient’s passing. What truly sets us apart is the deep, personal connections we build with families. Many express their gratitude through heartfelt letters or donations, highlighting the comfort we bring through our ongoing support. grmedcenter.com | 3
Prostate cancer care at GRMC Guadalupe Regional Medical Center continues to be committed to offering the latest healthcare innovations to our community. That’s why we’re proud to provide Illuccix®, a cutting-edge tool that’s transforming the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Illuccix® is a diagnostic agent used with PET scans to target prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), a protein found on prostate cancer cells. When injected, Illuccix® binds to these cells and lights them up on the scan, providing a clear, precise image—even when traditional tests like PSA levels are unclear or low. For patients, this means a more accurate picture of what’s happening inside their body. Illuccix® can identify cancer cells that may be missed by other imaging methods, even cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes or bones. This allows doctors to create a more personalized treatment plan, tailored to each patient’s specific needs. Illuccix® is available right here at GRMC, giving patients access to advanced prostate cancer care without the need to travel far. By offering this state-ofthe-art imaging tool locally, we’re empowering patients to take control of their health and make more informed decisions about their treatment. GRMC redefines heart care At the end of 2024, GRMC celebrated a significant achievement— completing 100 procedures using the groundbreaking CathWorks FFRangio® System. This milestone is a testament to GRMC’s commitment to providing the most advanced and comfortable care for patients in our community. GRMC is the only hospital in the region offering this innovative, noninvasive technology, which is changing the way coronary artery disease (CAD) is diagnosed and treated. The CathWorks FFRangio® System uses artificial intelligence and advanced computational science to analyze routine angiograms (x-rays) and create 3D models of the heart. This powerful tool can identify blockages in coronary arteries without the need for invasive wires or medications, making the process quicker, safer and more comfortable for patients. With this new technology, doctors are able to gather crucial information faster, allowing them to make well-informed decisions about treatment. For patients, this means a smoother experience, with less-invasive testing and a quicker recovery time. The system’s ability to provide real-time data within minutes enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of each procedure. CathWorks is just one example of how artificial intelligence is reshaping the way GRMC delivers care. By embracing this technology, we are able to provide our patients with cutting-edge treatments while reducing the risks and discomfort often associated with traditional methods. grmedcenter.com | 4 Groundbreaking technology: Transforming care in our region
Guadalupe Regional Medical Center is proud to announce our recognition with the 2025 Women’s Choice Award as one of America’s Best Hospitals in both Obstetrics and Orthopedics. These prestigious accolades celebrate the hospital’s ongoing commitment to providing exceptional care in two essential areas of healthcare. 5 | GRMC Health Currents LOOKING FOR A DOCTOR? Finding the right doctor for your needs has never been easier. Explore our online physician directory to connect with trusted healthcare providers in your area by specialty, name and more. Get started today by scanning the QR code. Leading excellence in Obstetrics and Orthopedics A team effort These prestigious awards are a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the entire GRMC team. Every physician, surgeon, nurse, administrative staff member and volunteer plays an integral role in providing compassionate, top-tier healthcare. Looking ahead, GRMC remains focused on advancing its services, embracing innovative technologies and continuing to serve the community with excellence. Bone-deep excellence Similarly, GRMC excels in Orthopedics, where it offers advanced treatment options for patients dealing with bone and joint conditions. From joint replacement surgeries to personalized rehabilitation programs, the orthopedic specialists at GRMC are dedicated to restoring mobility and enhancing the quality of life for their patients. The hospital boasts state-of-the-art facilities and uses the latest in medical technology, ensuring that patients receive the highest standard of care. For happy families In Obstetrics, GRMC has established itself as a trusted provider for families, ensuring that every birth experience is both safe and memorable. With a team of dedicated OB-GYN specialists, compassionate nurses and supportive staff, GRMC prioritizes the well-being of both mothers and their newborns. The hospital recognizes that childbirth is a deeply personal journey and strives to offer the best possible care at every step of the process.
60 years of change Our hospital will be celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. It is astounding to reflect on all the medical breakthroughs and changes that have occurred in healthcare over those decades. On January 1 in the year 2000, we crossed the threshold from the 20th to the 21st century. We were still known as Guadalupe Valley Hospital then, in a one-story, red-brick building. At that time, the hospital staff created and stuffed a time capsule, which was buried in our central courtyard. The intention was for the future staff of our hospital to unearth the capsule in 2025. On February 3, a celebratory event was held in that courtyard with staff, board members, retirees and donors to open the capsule and reminisce about these items from what our world looked like 25 years ago. To carry on the tradition, we have created and stuffed a new time capsule, buried in the same location, to be unearthed in the year 2050. These recollections from the past and visions for our future have caused me to reflect on the incredible changes at GRMC that have been carefully implemented and integrated into our scope of services and culture over these past 25 years. Not only has the facility itself tripled in size, we have also developed clinics and outposts in the area. We have recruited impressive physician specialists and highly skilled staff, ensured cutting-edge technology, and created new programs and services—all with the goal of providing compassionate care and advanced healthcare to our growing region. We are proud to continue our everimproving legacy now and into the future. What teamwork can achieve The groundbreaking ceremony for the Laurel Medical Office Building marks a major milestone in expanding healthcare for our community. At 27,000 square feet, this facility will double our capacity for primary care providers, allowing us to better serve the needs of our patients now and into the future. The project results from teamwork and collaboration, including securing $10 million in funding from the H.B. 1 of the 88th Texas Legislature. We’re grateful for the leadership of Rep. John Kuempel, Dean of the Senate Judith Zaffirini, Sen. Roland Gutierrez and Sen. Donna Campbell, along with strong support from our city and county officials. This state-of-the-art facility represents more than just a building—it’s a beacon of opportunity, economic growth and community pride. It stands as a powerful testament to what can be achieved when people come together with a shared vision for the future. Together, we’re building more than a medical center; we’re building a healthier community. HEALTH CURRENTS is published as a community service for the friends and patrons of GUADALUPE REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER, 1215 E. Court St., Seguin, TX 78155, 800.506.6394 or 830.379.2411. Website: grmedcenter.com. Robert G. Haynes, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer Kody Gann, CPA, Chief Financial Officer Daphne Blake, RN, MSN, Chief Nursing Officer Sheri Williams, RN, MSN, Chief Operating Officer Fay Bennett, VP of Employee Services Lauren Carter, VP of Physician Services Steve Lara, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Group Elaine Bennett, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation Deana Henk, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Guadalupe Health Network Rhonda Unruh, MHA, RN, VP of Quality James Lee, MD, GRMC Governing Board Chairman Michelle Rumbaut, GRMC Project Administrator Health Currents Editor: Chelsea Maldonado, MBA, Director of Marketing Carmela Fadal, GRMC Business Development Analyst Information in HEALTH CURRENTS comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your healthcare provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2025 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Elaine Bennett, CEO of GRMF Robert Haynes, CEO of GRMC Due to inclement weather, our groundbreaking ceremony was moved indoors to the Willow Medical Office Building. Despite the change in location, we proudly celebrated the beginning of the Laurel Medical Office Building with great enthusiasm and anticipation.
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