2 A Q&A with our women’s health providers GRMEDCENTER.COM In this issue Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44 WINTER 2026 Dedicated to women’s health This edition of Health Currents is dedicated to the women in our lives— the wives, moms, sisters, daughters and girlfriends who are the most likely people to encourage their loved ones to get checkups and obtain medical care. Often, these very women are the ones who tend to put their own needs at the bottom of a busy list of obligations. As we kick off a new year, we urge all women to take advantage of the outstanding providers and services we have here at GRMC to help navigate your own unique healthcare needs. Some common-sense reminders: • Create a wellness routine that works best for you. Make sure that your fitness, diet and lifestyle regimens are fun and enjoyable and boost your good health. • Pay attention to your body. Don’t ignore those signals when something feels off. Find out about your family’s medical history, as it may one day be relevant to you or others in your family. • Advocate for your own care. Come to your doctor visits prepared with questions, don’t downplay your symptoms, and be an active participant in your healthcare plan and decisions. • Mental, emotional and physical health are integrally connected, each affecting the other. If you are feeling sad or anxious or are experiencing changes in mood, energy, sleep patterns, appetite or weight, talk to your physician or consider talking to a counselor. • Remember that social connections are a key aspect of a fun, active and balanced life! The following pages provide information about the many providers here in Seguin dedicated to ensuring that you live your healthiest, fullest life at every age.
2 | GRMC Health Currents Azza Abdalla, MD Location: 417 S. King St., Cypress Building Phone: 830.372.2791 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: I became inspired to pursue a career in women’s health for multiple reasons. The women in my life have played such an influential role in raising me to become the woman I am today. During my OB-GYN rotation in medical school, I was in awe at the deliveries and how women show such a tremendous amount of strength during such a trying and stressful time. Q: How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare? A: I inspire my patients to be actively involved in their care by letting them know that they are active participants in their health and that their genuine understanding of their bodies allows them to have better health outcomes. Jodi Brannen, MD Location: 515 N. King St., Suite 105, Wedgewood Building Phone: 830.272.0210 Q: What do you love most about being an OB-GYN? A: I love feeling like I am making a difference in not only my patients’ lives, but also the lives of their families. Being a woman myself, I am familiar with many of the struggles I treat on a daily basis, so I know the impact that treating these issues, or preventing them in the first place, can have on a family. COMPASSION IN ACTION: A Q&A with Seguin women’s health providers Q: Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling? A: I had a patient come to me requesting a surgery. She brought her mother with her as “backup” for why she needed the surgery. After I talked to her, I thought there was a different surgery that would accomplish her goal, as well as improve her life immensely in other ways. When I explained this to her, tears filled her eyes. I asked if everything was OK or if I had misunderstood something, but she told me she was just so grateful to have a doctor believe her. I did her surgery, and she did very well. I think about her often and am proud to advocate for patients who feel they can’t speak up about their care or worry about being treated fairly. Clint Burrus, MD Location: 417 S. King St., Cypress Building Phone: 830.372.2791 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: I was drawn to women’s health because of the variety of challenges it presents and the real difference you can make in people’s lives. From fertility concerns to hormonal changes, every patient brings a unique situation, and the work is always evolving. I also love that I get to age with my patients, starting with them during pregnancy and continuing to care for them through different stages of their health. Those long-term relationships are really special. Q: Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling? A: One experience that stands out was helping a patient through a very difficult pregnancy. We faced many challenges along the way, and when the baby was finally delivered, the relief and joy in that room were unforgettable. Specifically, the long-term relationships I build with my patients, supporting them through first pregnancies, routine screenings and later life, consistently remind me that I am in the right profession. In this edition of Health Currents, we’re proud to highlight the healthcare providers dedicated to women’s health. Caring for women at every stage of life is a calling, not just a career. Through a series of brief Q&As, our providers share what drew them to women’s health and what keeps them inspired every day. From guiding patients through life-changing decisions to celebrating new beginnings in the delivery room, their stories reveal the compassion, dedication and heart behind the care they provide to women in our community.
grmedcenter.com | 3 Gretchen Hilt, Certified Nurse-Midwife Location: 1339 E. Court St., Suite 210, GRMC Campus Phone: 830.379.1500 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: I’ve been in women’s health for 20 years. I started in labor and delivery, and I am still there. What inspired me is the belief that women need someone in their corner. We give so much of ourselves to others that we often forget to prioritize our own health. It is so important to have someone you can trust to motivate and support you in caring for yourself so that you can continue caring for others. I love building those lasting relationships with patients and being someone they can trust, from pregnancy through every stage of life. Becoming a midwife has allowed me to continue that journey of care. Q: What would you like to share about midwifery care at GRMC? A: Midwives practice across the full spectrum of care, from home births and birthing centers to in-hospital deliveries. What we offer at GRMC is in-hospital midwifery care that allows women with low-risk pregnancies to have a more hands-off, lowintervention experience while still having the safety and support of a hospital setting. Our goal is to educate patients, promote shared decision-making and help them understand their options, including when certain interventions are necessary for safety. I want to bring balance to both approaches, offering the personalized, hands-on support of midwifery with the reassurance of medical resources available if needed. Shaliah Howard, Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner Location: 417 S. King St., Cypress Building Phone: 830.372.2791 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: Throughout my nursing career, I found myself most fulfilled when caring for women, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. I was drawn to the opportunity to build ongoing relationships, provide evidence-based education and advocate for health equality. Becoming a women’s health nurse practitioner has allowed me to combine my clinical skills with my passion for promoting wellness and preventive care in a population that often faces unique and complex challenges. Q: What keeps you motivated to come to work every day, especially on the long or difficult days? A: What keeps me motivated is the combination of patient impact and professional growth. I’m inspired by the resilience of the women I care for and by the collaboration I share with my colleagues. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn something new and become a stronger provider. Remembering that I am contributing to something bigger—improving women’s health and access to care—helps me push through those long days. Alyson Kirchner, MD Location: 1339 E. Court St., Suite 210, GRMC Campus Phone: 830.379.1500 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: I wanted to be a physician for as long as I can remember. I grew up in Seguin and started working in GRMC’s emergency room when I was 17, and I fell in love with medicine right away. I always knew I wanted to be a surgeon because I love being in the operating room, so when I discovered OB-GYN, it felt like the perfect fit. It combined my passion for surgery with the opportunity to care for women at every stage of life, from adolescence through menopause. The ability to build long-term relationships with patients is truly unique to this specialty, and it drew me in from the start. Q: Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling? A: There are so many, but what stands out most are the moments in my own community. I grew up here—I went to the same schools my children now attend, and my parents still live here. I have cared for my friends, their mothers and grandmothers, and now their children. I once attended a high school game and realized 10 of the kids on the court were babies I delivered. Moments like that and seeing families grow and being part of their stories remind me that I am exactly where I’m meant to be. Vivian Lipton, MD Location: 1352 E. Walnut St., Walnut Building Phone: 830.475.4321 Q: What do you love most about being a Family Medicine and Obstetrics physician? A: What I love the most about being a family physician who delivers babies is being able to be present when a new life comes into the world. I feel that childbirth is very scary, and every time a baby comes into the world a family is reborn and the dynamic
grmedcenter.com | 4 shift is wonderful to witness. I feel very privileged to be a part of that journey. Q: How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare? A: My perspective is to remind folks that they’re really taking care of themselves 365 days of the year. When we think about the actual minutes and hours spent with me, it is relatively little. My goal is to help them stay as healthy as possible and on track toward reaching their health goals. Ultimately, self-care is the key to having the quality of life that you want to have. George Mannel, MD Location: 1255 Ashby St., Suite G, behind GRMC Campus Phone: 830.372.0600 Q: How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare? A: That is just how I was trained. I trained in the “old school” way of medicine. I sit in front of the patient with a clipboard and talk to them face-to-face. I don’t stand with my back to them working on a computer while they talk. I listen and have a conversation. Q: What are you focusing on in your practice today? A: My practice has evolved over the past few years, allowing me to focus on what I’m most passionate about, which is supporting women’s health, particularly during perimenopause and postmenopause. With intensive, yearlong training in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy, I offer treatments that help balance hormones naturally, all while supporting overall health and reducing risks like cancer and cardiovascular issues. I take a holistic approach, considering thyroid, adrenal and gut health, because every system plays a role in a woman’s overall well-being and longevity. Phillip Rinn, MD Location: 519 N. King St., Suite 105, Cedar View Building Phone: 830.372.0994 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: The opportunity to make a meaningful impact on women at all stages of life. During my residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, I gained broad experience in OB-GYN care, which was further enriched by rotations at Jefferson Davis Hospital in Houston. Early experiences in newborn and pediatric care, including time in Cook Children’s ER in Fort Worth, showed me how much I valued supporting families and guiding women through important health milestones. Working alongside experienced surgeons in the community also inspired me to refine my skills and commit to comprehensive, compassionate care for women. Q: What do you love most about being an OB-GYN or women’s health provider? A: The joy of bringing a new life into the world is exhilarating. I compare it to the excitement I would get running back punts in high school. Many times, I have delivered second and third generations, and once a fourth generation. It is satisfying to see parents, grandparents and great-grandparents when presented with a new baby. While I don’t keep exact records, I’d estimate I’ve delivered roughly 6,000 babies. Esther Robbins, MD Location: 1352 E. Walnut St., Walnut Building Phone: 830.475.4321 Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health? A: I’ve been deeply influenced by my mother’s story as an Indigenous woman who had no access to healthcare. I was born in the middle of the jungle, and my father had to deliver me. By the grace of God, we both survived, which truly was a miracle. Knowing what my mother went through inspired a lifelong desire to ensure that no woman under my care ever goes without access to excellent-quality healthcare. I love being able to educate women on how to stay healthy and take preventive steps to protect their well-being. Q: Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling? A: A defining moment for me was during my third-year OB-GYN rotation. I had been helping monitor a mom through her labor, but when it came time to push, she requested only the midwife and nurse be present, so I stood outside. I could hear her and then the baby’s first cry. The joy was palpable, and I found myself crying outside the door. From that moment, I knew I wanted this to be part of my life. Learning that family medicine doctors can deliver babies and be part of the entire journey sealed the deal for me to become a family medicine obstetrician. Want to get to know our women’s health providers even better? Scan the QR code for additional questions, deeper insights and more stories from the hearts behind the care.
Welcome, Caroline Flowers, MD— Family Medicine and Obstetrics GRMC is proud to welcome Dr. Flowers to our team of dedicated providers. At GRMC, we are committed to delivering exceptional, compassionate care to our community and are continually seeking highly skilled, patient-centered physicians to meet the evolving healthcare needs of our region. Dr. Flowers’ arrival reflects our ongoing mission to provide comprehensive and specialized services to the families of Seguin and the surrounding communities. She will begin seeing patients in spring 2026. Dr. Flowers is a Family Medicine and Obstetrics provider who is passionate about delivering whole-person care across all stages of life. She is excited to serve our community. Originally from Houston, Dr. Flowers completed her undergraduate studies at Carnegie Mellon University before dedicating two years to teaching high school science through Teach for America. She went on to earn her medical degree from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, followed by residency training in family medicine at the University of Arizona–Tucson, South Campus. To further specialize in women’s health and maternity care, she completed a surgical obstetrics fellowship at Full Circle Health in Boise, Idaho. Dr. Flowers has a strong interest in maternal-child health, including breastfeeding support, women’s reproductive care, adolescent medicine and preventive healthcare. She also has experience managing complex chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Outside of medicine, Dr. Flowers enjoys spending time with her family, reading, listening to podcasts and cheering on the San Antonio Spurs. Dr. Flowers will begin seeing patients in the spring at: 411 S. King St., Seguin, TX 78155 830.484.4200 5 | GRMC Health Currents GRMC earns national recognition for excellence in women’s care We’re proud to share that our hospital has been recognized by the Women’s Choice Award® for excellence in Obstetrics, Patient Experience and Patient Safety, placing us among the topperforming hospitals nationwide. These awards are especially meaningful because they directly relate to the care and experience of our female patients, who make so many of the important healthcare decisions for themselves and their families. Being named one of America’s Best Hospitals for Obstetrics means that GRMC ranks among the top 13% of hospitals offering maternity care. This award highlights hospitals that deliver the highest-quality and safest care for mothers and babies. From prenatal visits to delivery, our team is dedicated to making each birth experience as safe, supportive and joyful as possible. We’re also honored to be recognized as one of America’s 100 Best Hospitals for Patient Experience. This recognition celebrates hospitals where patients feel heard, respected and cared for. At GRMC, we listen to our patients; answer their questions; and focus on creating a compassionate, comfortable environment for healing. Finally, GRMC has earned a place among America’s Best Hospitals for Patient Safety, ranking in the top 16% nationwide. This award reflects our ongoing commitment to preventing infections, reducing complications and maintaining the highest standards of care across every department. These recognitions are a direct reflection of our skilled team of nurses, doctors and staff who put patients first every day. At GRMC, we believe that choosing a hospital is one of the most important decisions you can make. We’re honored that women across the country can look to us as a trusted choice for safe, highquality care. At GRMC, your health, safety and experience always come first. Caroline Flowers, MD
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, CEO of Guadalupe Health Network Rhonda Unruh, MHA, RN, VP of Quality Dolores Major, MD, GRMC Governing Board Chairman Michelle Rumbaut, Project Administrator Health Currents Editor: Chelsea Maldonado, MBA, Executive Director of Marketing Carmela Fadal, 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. 2026 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Preserving our culture of caring while growing I imagine that all of you, like me, are each amazed by the incredible amount of growth we are seeing in our community. Old farm roads are becoming busy streets, long-established pastures seemingly transform into new neighborhoods and apartment complexes overnight, large chain stores have come to town, and new schools are outgrown before they even open! It seems the secret of Seguin and our surrounding region has gotten out. Indeed, our current population in the 78155 ZIP code is projected to grow from its current 60,000 to 80,000 in the next 10 years. We are proud that our comprehensive, high-quality healthcare system at GRMC is a key component for businesses and families. Toward that end, we are constantly assessing our community’s healthcare needs, recruiting primary care and specialty physicians, expanding our services, and growing our campus footprint and outreach clinics. This edition of Health Currents provides an overview of some of our many providers and services to meet every family’s medical needs. A fuller overview of our healthcare offerings an be found on our website, grmedcenter.com. As you watch our community grow exponentially, rest assured that GRMC continues to grow in scope and depth while preserving our small-town, caring culture. Robert Haynes Honoring a legacy of service Sixty years ago, a local family was devastated to learn that their precious son and brother was reported as Missing in Action in his role as Air Force pilot in the Vietnam war. Years later, this brave hero was proclaimed Killed in Action, and at last his remains were buried in Pawnee near the family’s land. The grief and void that were felt when Major Sammie Don Hoff lost his life and his future have never left his family. His sisters, Janice Hoff Windham and Pam Hoff Colvin, and their families decided last year to establish an endowment through the Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation to forever pay tribute to his sacrifice and to help fund medical and mental healthcare for veterans who receive care at GRMC. Their generosity was further amplified by Pam’s husband, Dr. Jim Colvin, who contributed $100,000, bringing the endowment to $1 million. With this gift, the Major Sammie Don Hoff Veterans Endowment Fund was officially established on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, 2025. On that date, the hospital’s Selig Room was filled with family, friends and supporters of this visionary new fund. In addition to hearing stories of Major Sammie Don’s adventures before his deployment, Dr. Chris Colvin provided a heartfelt testimony about his uncle’s legacy in their family and his firsthand observations of the many unmet medical needs of veterans he has witnessed from his years as an Emergency Care physician. Given the family’s deep roots and appreciation for GRMC, they unanimously agreed that this endowment fund was not only a wonderful tribute but also a meaningful, perpetual gift to local veterans in need of financial assistance for their medical bills or mental health services provided at GRMC. The GRMF is honored to partner with families like the Hoffs, Windhams and Colvins, whose generosity helps advance our mission and ensures that a legacy of service continues through the care we provide to our community’s veterans. It is my great honor to help connect community and hospital needs to funding from generous donors, businesses and grants. It is so fulfilling when the passions that ignite donors are perfectly matched to such meaningful services for our patients. Elaine Bennett
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