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Unfortunately, this hands-on approach to his ministry has been taxing on the cardinal's knees. Not wanting to slow down in his service, Dolan took the advice of his orthopedist and sought physical therapy as a solution to his pain.
According to Dolan, Access Physical Therapy and Wellness at Good Samaritan Hospital was a clear choice for a variety of reasons.“The first was the hospital’s reputation for medical excellence, competence and technical professionalism,” he said. “The second was because of the warm and friendly sense of community – at Good Samaritan you never feel like just a number, but rather you receive personalized attention and therapy."
His third reason comes as no surprise. "As the Archbishop of New York, I looked for a real, proud Catholic identity and they have that [at Good Samaritan] because that is what we are all about," he said. "I am proud of Good Sam because they do God’s work in a splendid and radiant way.”
Good Samaritan's team of physical therapists walked the cardinal through a series of exercises that worked the muscles surrounding the knee, strengthening them so they could better support the joint.
“I went to Ireland for two weeks, and we did hiking every day, and I mean not just a walk in the park, but pretty strenuous hiking," said Dolan. "I didn’t have any trouble, so I do think it has worked.”
Impressed with the above-and-beyond commitment of the Physical Therapy Department, he compared the at-home rehab regimen prescribed by therapists to the important resolutions he makes on retreats. “I hope I can keep up with the physical therapy better than the resolutions!” he joked.
Good Samaritan Hospital and Bon Secours Community Hospital are members of the WMCHealth Network.
