(upbeat music)
- I've heard it said
that you never know how much your values mean to you
until they're put to the test.
Well, I think it's safe to say
you were all tested this past year
and in truth, you crushed it.
You honored every aspect of our mission.
You made me personally so proud just to be part
of this team.
And this organization.
- There are hospitals like Rush just as one example
that have really converted their entire hospital
into a COVID 19 hospital.
They got ready for an onslaught.
- You had to come up with real hardcore
critical thinking and innovation.
And when it got tough, we got tougher.
- When got scared,
I just put on my shield and weared my sword
and went to the war.
- I see them recover on ventilation
or just almost near death.
And they're walking out of here.
That gives me so much hope.
(soft music)
- Just over a year ago
we stood up our COVID-19 command center.
Beginning of COVID response
that has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Each of you has contributed
to this life saving effort,
including acts of heroism
that had a profound impact on many lives.
While we mounted a response
to the pandemic that earned Rush national attention
many of you continue to provide the day to day
patient care that already made Rush a leader.
- I learned that I am a lot stronger than I thought I was.
My team showed me that
the definition of dedication is showing up not only
for the patients or for each other
(soft music)
- As Rush began vaccinating our community last December
you supported this crucial effort in countless ways
helping us fulfill our commitment to
distribute the vaccine first to those who need it most.
(soft music)
- I had to hold the hands of patients
because their family couldn't be there
to hold their hand while they're there.
- Ready? - Ready?
Yeey! (laughs)
(soft music)
- This is a really a wonderful thing that Rush has done
to bring people from across faiths
and across Chicago to receive the vaccine
and to receive a chance at continued health.
- Not a lot of seniors have this kind of service.
I'm very blessed to have you guys here
and you know you guys take good care of my mother.
- You embraced innovative ways to provide that care.
It is this level of excellence
that earned Rush University Medical Center
it's first ever spot on US news and world reports
best hospitals on the road this past summer.
You have made transforming healthcare
a hallmark of our work across the entire Rush system.
(soft music)
- Good. Your questions?
- Thank you. Thank you, God bless you.
You guys have the annual so that
I really appreciate you guys.
All that you guys did for me.
- It's our pleasure.
When you go out there, you live a full life for us, okay?
- All of the doctors and nurses
I thank you so much for taking care of me,
and taking care of me as if I were part of your family.
- You showed your commitment to Rush's mission
and values in so many ways this past year.
And to our patients and their families
they all took notice.
It's a privilege to work in partnership with all of you.
We'll never be able to thank you enough
for your incredible dedication, your contributions
your time and your effort
during what will be a historic year in Rush's history.
But I'll leave you with this.
Thank you.
(upbeat music)