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

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.
Katina Robison, MD, and Don S. Dizon, MD
Articles
New Clinical Trial at Tufts Medicine Aims to Ease Vaginal Side Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment
May 6, 2026
A Tufts Medicine clinical trial is studying vaginal laser therapy to help breast cancer survivors manage dryness and discomfort after treatment.
Dr. Katharine Veale as a newborn and now as an OB/GYN physician in a hospital delivery room
Articles
From Patient to Physician: An OBGYN Returns to Deliver Babies Where She Was Born
April 15, 2026
From newborn to OBGYN: A doctor's full circle journey at MelroseWakefield Hospital.

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