Who is Dr. Mandelet from The Awakening, and Selected Stories and what is their importance? "The_Awakening

Dr. Mandelet is a friend of the Pontellier family, as well as their family physician. Léonce shares his concern about Edna's mental health with the doctor, but Dr. Mandelet believes that she is merely going through a phase that will pass with time. He sees Edna the evening prior to her suicide and attempts to help her, but Edna refuses to talk to him.