Guadalupe Regional Medical Center | Health Currents | Winter 2026

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.

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