Mary Laks, 75, has dealt with recurrent vertigo for more than 20 years. Over the past two years, it has become more difficult for Mary to manage – so difficult that she has had to miss work and avoid exercising. Every time she experienced an episode, she would describe it as “the house turning like a carousel.” Medication and physical therapy weren’t working, so she went to Holy Name internal medicine physician Dr. Selwyn Levine for answers. Dr. Levine recommended physical therapy with a specific therapist, Susan Philip. Mary knew early into their work together that she was in the best hands.
“I’ve never met another therapist as thorough as Susan,” Mary said. “She made me better.”
Susan, who has been a physical therapist with Holy Name for over 26 years, is the outpatient therapy coordinator at the hospital’s Teaneck location. Even while juggling high-level responsibilities, Susan is renowned for giving patients her full attention. In Mary’s previous experiences, busy therapists would explain exercises to her and then move on to another patient, leaving her to continue the work on her own. But Susan works with her one-on-one for the entire visit.
Mary often leaves with sessions with Susan "feeling like a new person," she said. Susan’s suggestions for at-home exercises have made a huge difference in Mary’s quality of life. Today, when she experiences mild vertigo, she goes through the routine Susan taught her and is able to mitigate her symptoms. “I do it every day,” Mary explained, “and it has been helping me so much.” Thanks to Susan, Mary now has an easier time maintaining her job and active lifestyle.
Susan’s positive attitude and expertise make her patients feel safe and cared for. “She’s very encouraging and she knows what she’s doing,” Mary said. “You have confidence in her.” She’s dependable, too. When Mary has a bad episode of vertigo, she knows that Susan will fit her in for a session.
Mary is grateful to finally find relief from vertigo thanks to Holy Name.
“I called Dr. Levine to thank him so much for referring me to Susan,” Mary said. “She saved my life.”
