At 91, Dr. Bill Gonzaba reflects on the moment that set him on a path from humble clinic to a health care legacy serving San Antonio families.
SAN ANTONIO — For many, “Gonzaba” is more than a name. It represents a legacy of service and care, built by a man known simply as Dr. Bill.
At 91 years old, Dr. William “Bill” Gonzaba is the driving force behind Gonzaba Medical Group. It’s a health care institution he started and which has grown into a medical empire with over 900 employees.
“I’m obsessed,” he said, smiling, when asked why he continues working.
However, those who know him best say it’s more than that—it’s also a calling.
Born and raised in San Antonio’s Sunny Slope neighborhood, Dr. Gonzaba was known as “Billy.” He was a star athlete and a very religious young man.
“I thought I wanted to be a priest,” he said.
But everything changed during a conversation in a parking lot with a friend named Paco.
“Billy, what are you studying?” Paco asked.
“Pharmacy,” Dr. Bill responded.
“Why don’t you go to medical school?”
“I could never be accepted.”
Paco’s reply? “Yes, you can.”
Those three words would change the course of Gonzaba’s life. In 1954, he became one of just two Hispanic students accepted into medical school in Galveston.
“I got the letter. I opened it. A big lump in my throat,” he recalled. “‘Son of a gun, I’m going to be a doctor.’ What an honor. What a privilege.”
Dr. Bill didn’t think about going anywhere else. He wanted to return home to serve his community on the south side.
“There was never any other thought,” he said. “I wanted to come back to the south side, where I started.”
Humble beginnings
His first clinic was so small it didn’t even have a waiting room. Patients sat in their cars until it was their turn.
Dr. Bill said what was special, at the time, is that he was treating his people in his barrio.
“They all became my patients,” he said. “At a time when we had no CAT scans, none of the technology we have today.”
Over the decades, that small clinic evolved into Gonzaba Medical Group, which now includes multiple medical centers, clinics and physical therapy locations.
The group is still growing, with the largest clinic yet set to open in January on the southeast side, near Goliad and Southcross. That’s close to where Dr. Bill once rode horseback with his grandfather.
The family legacy continues. His sons and grandson are now among the group’s physicians.
Dr. Nicolas Morton-Gonzaba, Dr. Bill’s grandson, said his grandfather cares deeply about the community.
“He has put his blood, sweat and tears into this practice, and it shows,” said his grandson. “He’s the hardest worker I know and the most dedicated man I know.”
At the heart of Gonzaba Medical Group is a shared mission: treating every patient como familia. Like family.
“It’s about respect, working together,” Dr. Bill said. “We are a team.”
Gonzaba Medical Group is what Dr. Bill and his leadership team call a destination of care. His son, Dr. Tom Gonzaba, calls it a comprehensive and coordinated care.
“Everyone can kind of collaborate and can say what is best for the patient at this time,” Dr. Tom said.
Despite all he’s accomplished, Dr. Bill remains focused on the future.
“The future is unknown and challenging,” he said. “There will always be a crisis. Always.”
But his message to others is the same three words that shaped his own path: “Yes, you can.”
“Why not?” he added. “Determination. Persistence. Con ganas.”
As part of our Hispanic Heritage Month coverage, you can watch more inspiring stories now streaming on KENS 5+, available to download for free on your TV.