For Rudy Cortes, working in health care isn't a job—it's a calling. As the lead nuclear medicine technologist at Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital, Rudy performs nuclear medicine studies on patients. But he says his most important responsibility is lifting patients' spirits.

"My job is to connect with patients on a deeper level, to show them compassion," Rudy said. "If I can help a sick person by providing a positive hospital experience, I've done my job."

Rudy is passionate about patient care. He begins every day with a prayer and lives by the principles outlined in "The Optimist Creed," which is posted at his desk. It reads, in part: "Promise yourself ... to talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet ... to be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own ... and to wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile."

"Those aren't just words on paper to Rudy—he truly lives by that philosophy," said Rick Mace, chief executive officer of Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital. "You only need to pass him in the hallway to feel Rudy's passion for our mission of extending the healing ministry of Christ."

For those reasons and more, the 45-year-old was named Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital's 2008 Employee of the Year.

"Rudy has a way of making his patients feel at ease and acknowledging and alleviating their concerns. For example, he always gives patients blankets and brings them glasses of water before they even ask for these comforts," said his supervisor, Cecille Truver, manager of radiology/imaging. "Rudy comes to work with a sense of purpose and always has the hospital mission at heart in all that he does. He is a great example to all employees of what it means to serve."

Rudy serves as one of the hospital's spiritual ambassadors. Spiritual ambassadors are employees trained to identify, connect with and call upon the source of meaning, purpose and hope in an employee's life. The program is open to any employee of any faith background who is nonjudgmental, a good listener and able to empathize with colleagues. He also took on the role of lead angel in the hospital's "Living Nativity" performance in December and was one of more than 25 Adventist Midwest Health employees who went on a medical mission trip to Honduras earlier this year. A native Spanish speaker, Rudy served as a translator and caregiver. He was often spotted playing with the young children at the orphanage the team served.

Hired shortly before the hospital opened in January 2008, Rudy has more than 25 years of health-care experience. His career began when he worked as a patient transporter while he was still in high school. He worked his way up as he pursued his education and training.

"It's not about me," Rudy said. "I'm just a messenger. I'm here to play a small part in fulfilling our hospital's mission. That's very humbling."

Lisa Parro is a public relations specialist at Adventist Midwest Health.