Skip to main content

Patient Stories: Amy Westgate

April 9, 2021
2 min read

Amy Westgate, at the age of 21, was driving on Superbowl Sunday at 4:45 pm when another driver hit her vehicle head-on.

Amy Westgate

Amy was brought to Tufts Medical Center via MedFlight with critical injuries, including multiple fractures and massive internal bleeding. Amy remained at Tufts MC for 3 ½ weeks in the ICU and underwent eight surgeries. Her multidisciplinary care team included physicians from the Emergency Department, Obstetrics, Orthopedics and others. While Amy doesn’t remember much of her time while at Tufts MC, her mother, Annette, was with her daily during her stay. They both recall their appreciation for the Medical Center staff who, during this tremendously challenging time, provided them with resources and navigated them through the countless medical procedures and subsequent recovery process.

Amy and Annette are not only grateful for the lifesaving care that Amy received, but for the compassionate manner in which they were treated. Annette shares that “Dr. [Scott] Ryan, [Chief of Orthopedic Trauma,] asked us about Amy. He wanted to know about her as a person and not just a case number.” Adds Amy, “Dr. Ryan is pretty much family at this point. He still checks in and makes sure everything is ok.”

Today, Amy is in school and working full-time, and is incredibly grateful to Tufts MC for saving her life.

Recently, Amy’s story of survival was featured during the virtual Working Wonders for Tufts Medical Center event. 

Watch her story and the entire program here

A person holding their lower abdomen while seated, illustrating pelvic pain commonly associated with PCOS or PMOSer abdomen, suggesting pelvic or abdominal discomfort
Articles
PCOS Is Now PMOS: Your Questions Answered
May 29, 2026
PCOS is getting a new name—PMOS—and it could reshape how 170 million women are diagnosed, treated and understood.
Pregnant woman grocery shopping
Articles
10 Foods That Support a Healthy Pregnancy
May 22, 2026
Check out the 10 healthy foods to eat during pregnancy, plus expert nutrition advice on cravings, nausea, diet soda and prenatal health.
Woman stretching on the beach
Articles
Knee Replacement Surgery: What to Know Before Surgery
May 14, 2026
Knee pain can make everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs or even standing feel difficult. For people living with advanced arthritis or joint damage, knee replacement surgery can relieve pain and restore mobility.

Be among the first to know

Enjoy the latest health updates from Tufts Medicine by signing up for our e-newsletter today.

Jump back to top