Robert Williams doesn’t just prepare food—he serves food for the soul.

Williams, lead cook at Einstein Medical Center Elkins Park, started his food service career at Germantown Hospital and Medical Center, and moved over to Elkins Park a few years after Einstein acquired Germantown in 1997. All told, he’s been at home in the kitchen for nearly 45 years.

People love his food, of course, but Williams’ most satisfying entrée has always been his sunny disposition—and it’s free of charge.

Kenneth Brown, who started as an outpatient at the medical center a year ago, remembers their first meeting. Williams greeted him as he greets most every customer—with a beaming smile.

“I was in the hospital and I was hungry and I found myself walking to the cafeteria,” Brown recalls. “I wasn’t feeling great and it was kind of a lift.”

In Brown’s estimation, you can’t underestimate the healing power of a smile or a kind word, especially when you aren’t feeling well. “He (Williams) is not just making my breakfast,” says Brown. “He’s starting my day off with a smile. There’s somebody who makes a difference, as much as any of the doctors in the hospital. He’s just a nice guy.”

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