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.
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