News

Actions

Doctor hit by drunken driver returns to work

Posted at 10:36 PM, Dec 22, 2014
and last updated 2014-12-23 12:12:57-05

WEST JORDAN, Utah -- An accomplished and well-respected doctor made an amazing recovery after being run over by a drunken driver in October.

She's still on the mend, but back at work and ready to help others on their path to healing.

On October 2, Dr. Anne Kieryn and her wife Dr. Rebecca Dixon were struck by an erratic driver on their morning run. Police say the driver fled the scene, leaving the women hurt on the side of the road.

"I told Rebecca we got hit by a car," said Kieryn. "She said, 'no, this is a bad dream,' and I was like, 'no, we really got hit by a car and I can't move.' I could wiggle my toes so I knew I wasn't paralyzed, but I really couldn't move."

Dixon faired better than her wife, who spent more than a month in the hospital with 15 broken bones and severe internal injuries.

"Every day it was unclear whether or not she would survive the day. There were many ups and downs that first week," said Dixon.

Kieryn is a breast cancer surgeon at Jordan Valley Medical Center.  She says the strength of her patients inspired her to push through the pain and frustration that usually comes with recovery.

She's now seeing patients again, but not quite ready to go back in the operating room.

"She loves her patients, and the whole time she's been out she's been worried about her patients," said Kieryn's co-worker Jenny Leonce.

A jury trial is set for February for Keanna Davis, the woman charged in the hit-and-run.

She faces two counts, including: leaving the scene of an accident and driving under the influence.

Her bail is set at $50,007.