George Hernández Reflects on Legacy and Growth of University Health as Edward Banos Takes the Helm in South Texas

After nearly two decades of steering University Health towards becoming a top-notch medical hub in South Texas, CEO George Hernández has officially passed the torch to successor Edward Banos as of July 1. In a recent discussion on the BigCitySmallTown podcast, Hernández opened up about his ambitions and the evolving landscape of healthcare that marked his tenure. "My vision when I became CEO was, ‘Why can’t we be a top-tier academic medical Center here in South Texas?" Hernández mused in remembrance, as he detailed the journey to upgrade facilities and harness the potential he saw in the already present medical talent, according to a San Antonio Report interview.

The retirement marks a significant transition for University Health, an institution under Hernández's leadership, which saw substantial expansions, including the inception of the Sky Tower and the Women’s and Children’s Hospital. George Hernández, having faced the tumult and trials of the COVID-19 pandemic, reflected, "I actually think the pandemic made us stronger as a team," acknowledging that despite never closing, the hospital system rallied to ensure adequate supplies for patients and employees alike. This statement, illuminating a resilience forged in crisis, was recounted by the San Antonio Report.

Hernández's approach to healthcare wasn't just about big structures and keeping the doors open during a pandemic; it was also about geographic strategy. He emphasized the necessity of bringing University Health closer to San Antonio's communities, effectively decentralizing services to meet people where they live, a move prompting strategic growth and greater accessibility.

With his retirement now in full swing, Hernández is looking forward to spending more time with family, particularly his grandchildren. Always keeping an eye on the bigger picture, he jovially recognized the benefit of new leadership while opining on the exit stage of his career, "We have an expiration date," he noted with a chuckle. This transition, acknowledged as integral for sustained progress, was imparted through his conversation with Robert Rivard on the BigCitySmallTown podcast. Hernández's departure, tinged with both nostalgia and optimism for the future, comes as University Health continues on its upward trajectory.