Urologist, philanthropist, humanitarian and proud American: these are just a few of the virtues that make up the Texas Panhandle’s most cherished and respected beacon of the community, Dr. Rene P. Grabato.
Starting his practice in July of 1978 in Pampa, Dr. Grabato specialized in urology; always seeking out new technology, diagnostic procedures and treatments to better serve his patients.
With urology being an uncommon practice in the Texas Panhandle, Dr. Grabato truly was a blessing for the citizens of Pampa and surrounding communities and his patients had the comfort of knowing that the care they needed was right here at home.
Dr. Rene P. Grabato was born May 22, 1945 in Mina Iloilo, Phillippines making his move to the United States in 1972, but not before making an extraordinary mark in his home country with his academic excellence and service.
After graduating high school as Class Vice President and Representative to the Student Council with High Honors, Dr. Grabato attended San Augustin University in Mina Iloilo, earning a Pre-Med Bachelor’s Degree, graduating as First Honor in 1964.
He then acquired his Doctor of Medicine Degree in 1970 after attending the University of Santo Tomas in Manila, Phillippines during which time he served as President of the Western Visayas Medical Student Association and as the Chairman of the Rolling Clinic (Medical Mission).
Bringing his expertise to the shores of the United States in 1972, Dr. Grabato began an internship at the Long Island College Hospital and Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York where he would then begin his residency in general surgery and urology for a total of five years until his move to Texas.
While the bigger cities in Southern Texas carried more opportunities, and not to mention bigger salaries, Dr. Grabato realized that it was the smaller towns in the Texas Panhandle that were in dire need of a specialist in urology, so he made the selfless decision to bring his practice to Pampa in 1978.
During his time in Pampa, Dr. Grabato served in numerous positions at Pampa Regional Medical Center, such as President of Medical Staff, Chairman in the Department of Surgery and Chairman of the Local Physician Leadership Group just to name a few.
In 1990, he introduced the first use of laser prostate surgery in the Texas Panhandle and was also given an appreciation award by the Pampa Chamber of Commerce for the many years he offered free prostate screenings.
But his outreach was not only limited to Pampa, as he served in numerous other organizations such as President of the Top O’ Texas Medical Society, Board Chairman of the West Texas Community Health Network and a Charter Member of both the Texas Urological Society and National Physician Leadership Group.
One of Dr. Grabato’s proudest achievements was when he gained his United States citizenship in 1993, although he had previously been inducted as a life member of the Republican Presidential Task Force in Washington, D.C. by Ronald Reagan in 1989 and was even invited by the White House to attend and participate in the inauguration of George Herbert Walker Bush!
On March 29, 1993, Dr. Grabato would recieve his citizenship and be given the Texas Flag that had flown at the State Capitol in Austin that very day, and being the only Filipino to receive that was a great honor to him.
Dr. Grabato’s philanthropic outreach went far beyond the United States as he kept his home country forever in his heart.
For many years, he would provide scholarships to students attending Mina High School in rememberance of his late father and in 2013, created the Dr. Rene P. Grabato Family Foundation that would go on to donate an ultrasound machine to the Mina Rural Health Center.
Aside from his medical achievements and contributions, Dr. Grabato was also heavily involved with the Catholic Church and was the initial planner and major donor of the renovation of the Mina Catholic Church.
In 2000, he was endorsed by the Bishop of Amarillo to Rome to become a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem and was then promoted to the highest rank as Knight of the Grand Cross of the Holy Sepulchre and given a Pilgrim Shell Award by the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem in the Holy Land.
The remarkable achievements and impact he has made on society, both near and far, with 45 years in Pampa alone has earned Dr. Grabato the undeniable right to fully enjoy his retirement, although the departure itself is bittersweet.
Just under two years shy of turning 80 and just now deciding to retire, it is clear to the community that Dr. Grabato has lived his life with the virtue of being of service to others.
Keith Anderson, the Manager of Business Development and Marketing, got to know Dr. Grabato in the two years he has been with Pampa Regional Medical Center and knows how impactful Dr. Grabato’s work was, and although he’s aware that the Texas Panhandle will no longer have a urologist, he’s glad that Dr. Grabato can finally enjoy time with his family.
“He’s an amazing guy and is so sincere and really cares about people. It’s going to be a loss for Pampa honestly,” Anderson said.
“At PRMC, we were privileged to have him. He made this a better place and we appreciate him a lot and wish him the best for his retirement. Now he has a chance to golf and see his grandkids. He needs to enjoy that time.”
Dr. Rene P. Grabato retired on March 8, 2024 and is now in the process of moving to Austin with his wife, Teresita Q. Garabato to be with their adult children, Marissa and Andrew and grandchildren, Audrey and Grayson.
We all wish Dr. Grabato a long and wonderful retirement and thank him for his dedication, care and contributions he selflessly gave to our community and afar.
Notes and other information provided by Keith Anderson.
