Awards and Honors II: December 19, 2008

Posted 11:06 AM, December 19, 2008, by jaruiz

Pablo Rodriguez, CRT, ARRT, received the Wingspread Award this September 2008 because of his outstanding work in Radiology. This award is given by one employee to another who has proven that he or she is a "special performer" by demonstrating exemplary performance in areas such as job knowledge; work ethics; communication skills; inter- and intradepartmental relationships; versatility; and judgment. Mr. Rodriguez graduated from Foothill College with an AS in radiological sciences and completed part of his X-Ray School Rotation at Stanford Hospital, where he has been working full time for the past three years. He currently works weekends and as part of the CT team. He is also the radiologic technologist for a local college football team and a professional football team in the Bay Area.

Mr. Rodriguez describes his experience as follows:

"I have learned a lot at the Hospital because we are a trauma center. In addition to the Trauma Department, my training enables me to work in all areas of the Radiology Department such as the Operating Room, Gastrointestinal Emergency Department, Orthopedic Department, and the Cancer Center. Because of this, I have also supervised all of these areas. In addition, I supervised X-Ray North for one year, which is the head of the radiologic diagnostic areas in the Hospital. I gained a lot of experience by doing this job, and I grew a lot as a radiologic technologist. Most importantly, I learned to be a team player and to respect all people with whom I work. My motto is: Treat others as you like to be treated. I'm really thankful to have the opportunity to work at Stanford Hospital and Clinics, and I like the challenges that come with my work. With all the traumas that a technologist sees, he or she has to become creative to get the best X-ray image or CT scan for the physician to make the most accurate diagnosis. I have also met my close friends here at work." As a result of his dedication, Mr. Rodriguez was voted as the 2007 Radiologic Technologist of the Month by his departmental co-workers. The Wingspread Award is another way in which his co-workers have recognized that he "has gone above and beyond the fulfillment of his usual duties." Wingspread awardees can keep the award for as long as they wish or until they discover another "special performer." Monthly awarding of the Wingspread honor is encouraged as part of the SHC departmental staff meetings.

Mr. Rodriguez moved to the United States from Mexico when he was twelve years old and is the youngest of four children. In high school, he held various leadership positions including Student Body Publicist and ESL Coordinator. In recognition of his service, he received a Rotary Award as well as an award for community involvement. In addition, his senior class voted him as the one who had "Contributed the Most" and as the Homecoming King. In his free time, Mr. Rodriguez enjoys going to the movies and working out. However, spending time with his family is his main priority: "I love my family and really close friends, and I will do anything I can to help them out. My family is the foundation of who I am now."

(Image courtesy of Mark Riesenberger)