A Gaylord employee since 1985, Goldstein is a physical therapist in Gaylord’s Wallingford outpatient clinic. She was nominated for the award by a former stroke patient for her exceptional service.
The patient had seen a mobility device online and asked Sue if she thought it might help them. Sue immediately took the initiative to research the device, secure a trial, undergo training, and successfully use it to benefit her patient. Recognizing that the device had the potential to make an even greater impact, Sue provided training to Gaylord’s outpatient therapists so other patients could benefit from using it to improve their mobility.
Her supervisor, Kris Provost, praised Sue’s nearly 40-year tenure, highlighting her as an “ideal clinician” who is known for her compassion, enthusiasm, and positive attitude.
“She consistently goes beyond standard practices and always thinks outside the box to ensure that she provides the best treatment possible to all her patients,” Provost said.
In addition to her clinic work, Sue is a highly experienced aquatic therapist who was instrumental in establishing Gaylord’s aquatic therapy program in 1987 and created Gaylord Hospital’s therapeutic pool in 1991.
Expressing gratitude for the award, Goldstein remarked, “It’s an incredible honor to be recognized by my patient and my Gaylord family. I love coming to work. My colleagues in outpatient therapy motivate me daily, and my patients inspire me beyond words.
The annual award was established in 1992 by the grateful family of Joseph A. Lindenmayer, a former Gaylord patient. According to his daughter, Josephine L. Gierer, the award acknowledges the immense kindness that Gaylord employees showed her father throughout his care. Goldstein is the 33rd recipient of the award since its inception.
About Gaylord Specialty Healthcare:
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is a rehabilitation-focused, nonprofit health system headquartered in Wallingford, Connecticut, that provides inpatient and outpatient care for people at every point in their journey from illness or injury to maximum recovery.
Gaylord Specialty Healthcare is anchored by Gaylord Hospital, a long-term acute care hospital, and includes Gaylord Outpatient Services and Gaylord Physical Therapy for patients who require diagnosis and treatment on an outpatient basis. Gaylord's Milne Institute for Healthcare Innovation is a hub for accelerating world-class rehabilitative research, technology development and innovation to improve the quality of life and function of people around the world. Together, these entities deliver a complete continuum of rehabilitative care driven by clinical experience, innovation and human compassion.