DUBLIN - Feb. 16, 2017 – When friends and neighbors ask Brian Bechard what he does for a living, his response comes with a “deep sense of pride.”

“This is when I feel humbled,” says the 11-year Medtronic employee. “I am reminded of how my work makes a difference every day at a very personal level.”

Bechard, a market development specialist within the company’s healthcare innovation team, says the work he does “continues to inspire him.”

“The passion and commitment to the Medtronic Mission is evident here,” he says. “I look around and see employees who genuinely care. It’s amazing what can be accomplished when we work together.”

Those accomplishments are being recognized - again.

Fortune magazine announced Thursday that Medtronic is included on the 2017 World’s Most Admired Companies list. The annual list measures corporate reputation among the world’s largest companies. This year Medtronic ranked third within the Medical Products and Equipment category, up from ninth in 2015 and marking the second year in a row in which Medtronic has been in the top five.

“The credit goes to our 88,000+ Medtronic employees,” said Omar Ishrak, chairman and CEO of Medtronic. “We are proud to once again be named to the Most Admired list as we strive to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life for patients.”

The “Most Admired” list is compiled with input from leading financial analysts, top executives, and board members from major corporations around the world. 

Companies are scored based on financial performance and business management. Experts look at key categories such as management quality, quality of products and services, innovation, ability to attract talent, community responsibility, and financial position.

“Our employees are motivated by our Mission, which inspires them to solve problems to help patients on a global level. We work to support them with a culture that welcomes diverse perspectives so everyone can give their best,” said Carol Surface, Medtronic Chief Human Resources Officer. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our talented employees.”

Medtronic has regularly appeared on Fortune’s Most Admired Companies list, which dates back to 1982. 

Bechard sees firsthand how the company’s reputation plays a role. His position requires him to spend time with partners both inside and outside the company in order to come up with digital solutions to some of the greatest challenges in healthcare.

“We work in an organization that respects and supports the differences of its employees as we promote innovation,” he says. “We also have strong external partnerships in order to achieve our goals – to transform healthcare for people all over the world.”