2 Meet the newest members of our team GRMEDCENTER.COM I n th i s i s sue Guadalupe Regional Medical Center has established a robust reputation for top-quality, technologically advanced, compassionate healthcare. Our highly skilled staff provide a wide scope of sophisticated medical and surgical services and have been recognized with numerous national awards for safety, patient satisfaction and excellent outcomes of care. Our commitment to our mission does not have a finish line—we are constantly on a quest to maximize the health and quality of life for the thousands of lives we are privileged to touch. This edition of Health Currents highlights the newest physicians practicing at GRMC and some of the many programs & outreach services we provide. Jonven Attia, MD Rey Morales, MD Elizabeth Beste, MD Robert Ryan, MD John White, MD We’ve moved! FALL 2022 105 Medical Drive Seguin, TX 78155 ADVANCED MEDICINE. PERSONAL TOUCH. QUALITY CARE Committed to HEALTH CURRENTS Standard U.S. Postage PAID Walla Walla, WA Permit No. 44
Welcome to our new physicians! 2 | GRMC Heal th Currents Now accepting new patients! Nathan Borgfeld, MD Dr. Borgfeld’s academic background has strong roots in Texas. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Texas–Pan American in Edinburg, received his medical degree from the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston and completed his residency in Family Medicine at UT Health Northeast in Tyler. Dr. Borgfeld’s goal is to provide patients with comprehensive care—physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. He has received numerous awards for excellence and compassion and obtained board certification in 2019. Coming in September! Jason Goodwin, MD Dr. Goodwin brings the expertise of his practice to Seguin and its surrounding communities. Originally from Port Arthur, he completed his internship at Wilford Hall Medical Center in San Antonio and his residency in Otolaryngology at the University of Missouri in 2014. Dr. Goodwin is a decorated Air Force veteran who has dedicated nearly a decade to various military deployments and has operated as an Air Force pilot around the world. Dr. Goodwin treats and offers solutions for: • Hearing loss, including hearing aids • Vertigo and balance issues • Sinus conditions • Snoring and sleep disorders • Voice and swallowing concerns • Tonsils, adenoids and ear tubes • Allergies GRMG welcomes ear, nose and throat physician Jennifer Hennessee, MD Jennifer Hennessee, MD, board-certified in Otolaryngology, will be joining Guadalupe Regional Medical Group ENT Associates with Jason Goodwin, MD, in September. Dr. Hennessee strives to provide quality, compassionate care to all her patients, treating them as though they were part of her family. When not practicing medicine, Dr. Hennessee enjoys water sports, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two children. SEE YOU IN SEPTEMBER! · 105 Medical Drive, Seguin TX 78155 · 830.379.0299 Coming in September! Sidhanta Gurung, MD Dr. Gurung completed his fellowship in Cardiovascular Disease at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston. He then went on to complete his advanced fellowship training in Interventional Cardiology at the University of Connecticut Hartford Hospital. His goal is to establish strong continuity with his patients and provide comprehensive cardiac care—from preventive medicine management to acute inpatient care. He is looking forward to serving the people of Seguin and building a strong relationship with the community. In his spare time, he enjoys trying new foods, sports, and spending time with his wife and son. Coming in September! Esther Robbins, MD Dr. Robbins completed her residency in Family Medicine at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Lubbock and now joins Guadalupe Regional Medical Group Primary Care Associates with physicians Brett Earnest, MD; Frank Wright, MD; and Lance Montgomery, DO. Most recently, Dr. Robbins was a practicing faculty physician with the Department of Family and Community Medicine at Texas Tech University for three years. While in Lubbock, she practiced full-spectrum family medicine for patients of all ages and in all phases of life. Her goal is to empower her patients to take control of their own health. Dr. Robbins excels in providing comprehensive family care— including pediatric, adult, gynecologic and geriatric care—as well as in-office procedures.
Childbirth Classes • Healthy pregnancy developments • Making pregnancy, labor and delivery more comfortable • Breathing and relaxation techniques • Signs you are in labor • Pain coping techniques • Expectations for labor and delivery • The labor partner/coaching role Breastfeeding Classes • Breastfeeding benefits, making breast milk and breast care • Latching on/positioning • Hunger signs, feeding guidelines and feeding a sleepy baby • How much is enough and when to call your doctor • Introducing bottles and pacifiers, returning to work, expressing milk, milk storage guidelines, and finding support Gestational Diabetes Classes • Complications for the mother, such as preeclampsia • Potential complications for the baby: hypoglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, pre-term and respiratory distress, and jaundice • Understanding gestational diabetes and its risk factors • Healthy eating, physical activity and monitoring blood sugar levels • How to reduce the risk of complications to mother and baby grmedcenter.com | 3 For more information on any of these classes, please scan the QR code or visit grmedcenter.com. Parkinson’s Wellness Recovery Program Provided by the therapists in our Outpatient Rehab department for patients with Parkinson’s disease, this program is designed to use exercise and problem-solving to encourage positive changes in the body and brain to slow disease progression, restore function and improve quality of life. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with the neurological disorder of Parkinson’s disease, this program is an excellent opportunity to incorporate proven exercises daily at home and in our clinic. For more information, call 830.401.7665. Stroke Recovery Group The group meets monthly at GRMC, coordinating a network of patients and families who share helpful information and encouragement about successfully recovering from stroke. Patients, family members and healthcare professionals discuss concerns, ideas and solutions for navigating the path toward stroke recovery. Whether you or your loved one has experienced a recent stroke or has been recovering for years, we welcome you to this free forum. Dealing with the results of a stroke can be an isolating, confusing and frustrating process, but connecting with others who are on a similar journey has proven to be extremely helpful. Join us on the first Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. in the GRMC Inpatient Rehab Unit, or call 830.401.7789 for more information. Reaching out to the community
Mental health services through the Teddy Buerger Center (TBC) The highly skilled counselors at the TBC provide a variety of programs and classes to help individuals and families manage difficult behavioral issues. Classes include: • Anger Management: a 12-week cognitive behavior therapy program • Chemical Dependency: both a 10-week intensive and a 16-week supportive outpatient program • Domestic Violence: providing help in volatile family situations to educate and resolve conflict • Employee Assistance Program: provides affordable, shortterm counseling and a 24-hour help line to employees of local businesses and employers • Outpatient Mental Health: designed to provide counseling to individuals, couples and families to address common mental health concerns such as depression, low self-esteem, anxiety, grief, abuse, trauma and stress Heritage Program for Seniors This group is tailored specifically to older patients who are suffering from deep sadness, anxiety or unresolved grief. Overseen by Rebecca Castro, MD, a psychiatrist specializing in geriatric psychiatric problems, this program has assisted hundreds of elders since 1998. Cardiopulmonary Rehab Pulmonary rehabilitation is for patients who have chronic respiratory diseases, are symptomatic and have decreased daily life activities due to lung disease. Pulmonary rehabilitation is designed to reduce symptoms, optimize functional status and restore the patient to the highest possible level of independent function. With triple-board-certified Bhupinder Sangha, MD, as the medical director, the goal is to help patients become more physically active and to learn more about their disease, treatment options and how to cope. Rather than focusing solely on reversing the disease process, rehabilitation attempts to reduce symptoms and reduce disability from the disease. For more information, call 830.401.7414. GRMC Wellness Center Open to the public, the Guadalupe Regional Wellness Center is the realization of GRMC’s commitment to overall community health and wellness. Our members—from the age of 18 to 90-plus—have access to a variety of fitness options; several amenities; and a motivating, friendly staff. We are more than a gym, offering: • Personal training • Group fitness classes • State-of-the-art cardio and strength equipment • Functional training area • Massage therapy Temperature-controlled indoor pool • Small-group and team training • Parisi Speed School (youth program: ages 7 to 18) with a range of programs grmedcenter.com | 4
LOCAL NURSING STUDENTS JOIN GRMC As Texas Lutheran University’s (TLU) nursing program continues to flourish, GRMC has hired seven recent graduates. With the demand for nurses exponentially increasing—especially in rural areas—having graduates remain local is a testament to both the program itself and the strength of this community partnership. According to TLU Nursing Director Amie Bedgood, PhD, RN, CNE, Guadalupe Regional has been a key supporter of the program through the provision of clinical placements for student learning, scholarships and the hiring of graduates. “Community partnerships are critical to the success of a nursing program,” Dr. Bedgood says. “These programs rely on community partners, such as GRMC, to support nursing education and nursing students as they navigate the transition into practice.” Not only does GRMC support TLU students through hands-on, clinical initiatives, they also established a Nursing Excellence Scholarship in October 2021, providing $10,000 total per year for up to two students enrolled in the traditional Bachelor of Science in Nursing program each year for the next four academic years. According to the Rural Health Information Hub, a long-term strategy often referred to as “grow-your-own” suggests that healthcare professionals are more likely to consider serving the community where they were trained and raised. Dr. Bedgood says that since the inception of the nursing program, their focus has been to recruit and retain diverse nursing students from surrounding counties with hopes they will graduate and enter the local workforce. GRMC Chief Nursing Officer Daphne Blake, RN, MSN, also expresses her gratitude for the program. “GRMC is proud of the dedication TLU has put into its nursing program and the reputation that has come from producing a highly qualified nursing staff who are committed to our community.” Homegrown talent 5 | GRMC Heal th Currents
The leadership and governing boards of both GRMC and GRMF are proud to announce the joint establishment of the Betty Ann Matthies Education Scholarship, in honor of one of the pioneers who helped establish the vision and culture of today’s exceptional medical center and medical community. Betty Ann Matthies literally dedicated her life and career to the Seguin Hospital, Guadalupe Valley Hospital and its transition into Guadalupe Regional Medical Center. Her work has spanned seven decades, with a wide scope of roles. Wearing many hats throughout her career, Betty Ann used her nursing skills to fill the needs of the moment in an era when healthcare professionals were jacks of all trades. From an operating room nurse to fill-in pharmacist and x-ray technician to occasional biscuit-maker in the kitchen, to her long and influential role as Director of Nurses, and later as a city councilwoman, Mayor of Seguin and Board Member for GRMC, the footprint she has left is large and consequential. Earlier this year she decided to retire from her role as a Board Member, ending what is surely the longest-serving continuous career of any one person in this medical community. One of her many gifts has always been that of encouraging and mentoring others to pursue their education and grow in their healthcare career. With this in mind, a proposal was brought to GRMF and GRMC to establish the Betty Ann Matthies Education Scholarship. The concept behind this fund is to provide the essential hand-up that will make the difference to one hospital employee each year in pursuing their healthcare career, just as Betty Ann did for countless others throughout her career. Initial funding has already been dedicated by GRMC and augmented by local individuals who have donated to the fund. If you are interested in being part of this opportunity to contribute to a permanent endowment for the good of this medical community, and in tribute to the legacy of Betty Ann, please contact Elaine Bennett at 830.401.7209. 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, 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 Jennifer Valadez, VP of Revenue Cycle Elaine Bennett, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation Deana Henk, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer, Guadalupe Health Network Rhonda Unruh, MHA, RN, VP of Quality Tasha Montez, PhD, MA, CCC, SLP, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Group James Lee, MD, GRMC Governing Board Chairman Michelle Rumbaut, GRMC Project Administrator Health Currents Editor: Chelsea Maldonado, Director of Marketing 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. 2022 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Robert Haynes, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Center (GRMC) Elaine Bennett, CEO of Guadalupe Regional Medical Foundation (GRMF) Funding the future Betty Ann Matthies
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