Compassion in Action: A Q&A with Women’s Health Providers
16 minutes
Caring for women at every stage of life is a calling, not just a career. We asked our women’s health providers to 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 show the heart behind the care.
Azza Abdalla, MD
Board-certified OB-GYN
Clinic Address: 417 S. King St., Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.372.2791
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“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.”
What do you love most about being an OB-GYN?
“I love that I get to support women, who are the backbone of society. It is also a privilege to be able to be a part of one of the most intimate parts of most women’s’ lives-giving birth.”
Jodi Brannen, MD
Board-certified OB-GYN
Clinic Address: 515 N. King St., Suite 105, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.272.0210
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“I was inspired to pursue an ob-gyn career because I love delivering babies. Eventually, I also discovered that I love getting to help women throughout the different phases of life. I love both the continuity of care and the variety that ob-gyn provides as a physician.”
What do you love most about being an OB-GYN?
“I love feeling like I am making a difference in not only my patient’s lives, but 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.”
Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling?
“I had a patient come to me requesting a surgery. She had brought her mother with her as “back up” for why she needed the surgery. After I had 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 okay 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
Board-certified OB-GYN
Clinic Address: 417 S. King St., Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.372.2791
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“I focus on helping patients understand the importance of regular checkups and early detection, which can prevent or catch conditions like cervical cancer, breast cancer, and osteoporosis. We also leverage technology to keep patients informed and engaged, giving them easy access to their care team. When patients feel connected and supported, they’re much more proactive about their health.”
What do you love most about being an OB-GYN?
“What I love most is that no two days are the same. You never know the questions or challenges patients will bring, which keeps me engaged and passionate. There is also nothing quite like witnessing the joy on a family’s face when they meet their new baby. Those moments of happiness make the challenging days completely worthwhile.”
Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling?
“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.”
What keeps you motivated to come to work every day, especially on the long or difficult days?
“I’m motivated by knowing that my work truly makes a difference. Whether it’s helping with fertility, addressing hormonal changes, or providing preventive care, the impact on my patients’ lives is tangible. Even on the toughest days, the connections I have with patients and their families—the highs, the lows, and everything in between—keep me inspired and fulfilled.”
Gretchen Hilt, MSN, CNM, APRN
Certified Nurse Midwife
Clinic Address: 1339 E. Court St., Suite 210, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.379.1500
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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 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 allows me to continue that journey of care.”
Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling?
“I am a people person. I love connecting with others and building trust from day one. A few months ago, a former patient recognized me in public and said, ‘You delivered my baby. You were there for me, and I couldn’t have done it without you.’ Moments like that remind me why I do this work. It is validating to know I was there for someone on one of the most important days of their life, and I hope to continue providing that same level of care as I grow in my midwifery practice.”
What would you like to share about midwifery care at GRMC?
“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 low-risk women to have a more hands-off, low-intervention 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, WHNP
Board-certified Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner
Clinic Address: 417 S. King St., Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.372.2791
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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 allows 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.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“I strive to inspire my patients to be active participants in their healthcare by fostering trust, education, and empowerment. I strongly believe when women understand their bodies and feel heard, they are more confident in making informed decisions about their health. I aim to create a welcoming environment where questions are encouraged and treatment plans are developed collaboratively. By doing so, I believe each patient feels more confident in taking ownership of their well-being.”
What keeps you motivated to come to work every day, especially on the long or difficult days?
“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
Board-certified OB-GYN
Clinic Address: 1339 E. Court St., Suite 210, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.379.1500
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“I encourage my patients to see their health as a lifelong journey, and I emphasize that we’re partners in their care. Through annual exams, preventative screenings, and open conversations about issues like menstrual concerns, breast health, fertility, and menopause, I help them understand the ‘why’ behind their care plan. When patients feel informed, supported, and heard, they are much more empowered to take an active role in their well-being.”
What do you love most about being an OB-GYN?
“What I love most is the continuity of care and being able to support women in every chapter of their lives. In our field, we are present for the big moments, the challenging moments, and everything in between. It is incredibly meaningful to build relationships over decades, sometimes caring for multiple generations within the same family.”
Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling?
“There are so many, but what stands out most are the moments in my own community. I grew up here, 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 ten 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.”
What keeps you motivated to come to work every day, especially on the long or difficult days?
“The privilege of caring for this community keeps me motivated. I get to support women through some of the most important transitions of their lives, whether it is managing complex reproductive health issues, guiding them through pregnancy, or helping them navigate menopause. Knowing that my work can truly make a difference and that I am caring for the very community that raised me makes even the hardest days worthwhile.”
Vivian Lipton, MD
Board-certified Family Medicine + Obstetrics & Pediatrics
Clinic Address: 1352 E. Walnut St., Seguin TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.475.4321
What do you love most about being a Family Medicine & Obstetrics physician?
“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 scared and every time a baby comes in the world a family is reborn and the dynamic shift is wonderful to be there. I feel very privileged to be a part of that journey.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“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.”
What keeps you motivated to come to work every day, especially on the long or difficult days?
“I’ve been attending deliveries in one way or another for 29 years now. I cannot imagine not doing this work. For me, having the opportunity to create a space where we can treat patients exactly how we want to be treated and how we want our family to be treated, I think that is incredibly motivating. Our vision is to provide compassionate, family oriented care.”
George Mannel, MD
Board-certified OB-GYN
Clinic Address: 1255 Ashby St., Suite G, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.372.0600
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“In recent years, my focus has shifted to being primarily office-based, which allows me to concentrate on what I enjoy most, which is building long-term relationships with my patients. During medical school, I discovered my passion for ob-gyn. That seems to be my niche in medicine is interacting with women’s health.”
How do you inspire your patients to be actively involved in their healthcare?
“That is just how I was trained. I trained in the ‘old school’ 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 with them working on a computer while they talk. I listen and have a conversation.”
What are you focusing on in your practice today?
“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
Board-certified Family Medicine
Clinic Address: 519 N. King St., Suite 105, Seguin, TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.372.0994
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“What inspired me to pursue a career in women’s health was the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on women at all stages of life. During my residency at John Peter Smith, 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, 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.”
What do you love most about being an OB-GYN or women’s health provider?
“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
Board-certified Family Medicine + Obstetrics & Pediatrics
Clinic Address: 1352 E. Walnut St., Seguin TX 78155
Phone Number: 830.475.4321
What inspired you to pursue a career in women’s health?
“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.”
Was there a patient experience that confirmed you were in the right profession and felt especially fulfilling?
“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.”
What do you love most about being a Family Medicine & OB provider?
“The thing I love most about being an OB provider is that, as a family medicine physician, I get to care for women across the full scope of life. I can be there for their pregnancy, help them have a safe, healthy birth, and then support them as they learn to become moms. Whether it is their first, second, or third child, there is always something new they are experiencing, and I am grateful to be a sounding board to remind them what to expect and provide reassurance along the way.”
