Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
On 15 December 2020, a beloved Northern KwaZulu-Natal Obstetrician and Gynecologist, Dr Burnie Burnard, was savagely attacked by a dog while enjoying an afternoon walk. Now months following the ordeal, the good doctor reflects on the horrific day’s events and the journey that followed.
Beginning, he says, “I went out for a walk on the day, and I saw the dog trying to attack another man, who managed to escape by jumping into his car and this was when the dog came for me.”
What unfolded next saw Dr Burnard viciously attacked. However, refusing to let the dog dominate him. “I managed to get my arm around the dog’s throat and laid on it. The dog realised then this was not fun anymore.”
When the dog left him, the doctor notes, “I lay there in the gutter, and I remember it was raining a bit and there were a lot of people around me. Someone said they called the ambulance; I could not get up, I was basically finished.”
Dr Burnard was rushed to Mediclinic Newcastle with multiple mauled limbs before being taken to Durban, receiving further treatment. After assessing his injuries, he was given two choices, either he receives a skin graft and never has full use of his hand, or go for plastic surgery and obtain a certain degree of use in his damaged limbs. This, coupled with having to deal with severe injury to his leg, placed the doctor on a path with sizable obstacles to come over.
Opting for plastic surgery, despite the challenges therein, the doctor says, “I spent 12 days in ICU, and the physiotherapist came to me the one day, saying she had received permission to get me to start walking again.”
It was at this point that his next challenge began. An emotional Dr Burnard explains, “I could not stand, “I had to hold the drip stand and force myself up, with the physiotherapist’s help. Next, I had to walk to a chair that was four steps away, but I could not do it.”
Despite this setback, he refused to relent to the struggles before him, and over the next few days, Dr Burnard slowly began walking again. “I was eventually discharged, but I did not have the strength to get into the car by myself.”
During the course of the next month, he stayed on and off in Durban, receiving therapy to help him regain the function of his right hand. “I nearly have 100% in my hand, and I worked hard at the gym and at home. A person thinks they are strong, but this is not always the case when you are healing.” As he regained his strength in his hand and legs, Dr Burnard explains he slowly started walking 2km and is now walking 10km, just over six months after the attack.
As Jim Morrison once said, “Expose yourself to your deepest fear; after that, fear has no power, and the fear of freedom shrinks and vanishes. You are free.” Showcasing The Doors frontman’s words in true form, Dr Burnard frequently walks past the house where the dog attacked him.
“I have also started walking with boots and a backpack, as I want to do the Fish River Canyon in September,” he declares. The Fish River Canyon is located in the south of Namibia and is the largest canyon in Africa. Visitors can embark on a four-to-five-day hike through the canyon, sleeping overnight under the stars. But, it must be noted, the trail is 85 kilometres long.
When questioned on where he finds his strength, Dr Burnard explains, “I don’t know where I find my strength, but I have had a lot of support from family, friends and even strangers. Also, my motto is, life goes on. You can’t just sit back and feel sorry for yourself.” Looking to the future and what it holds for him, he points out that he is undecided. “Since I was eight years old, I knew I would go into medicine.”
While admitting his hand will never recover fully, the doctor says his options are straightforward. “I am turning 70 this year, so I might retire. I might even go into consulting and do minor procedures. Currently, I am assisting other doctors, which is interesting, as I am helping with a wide variety of disciplines such as orthopaedics.” As he plans for the next chapter in his life, he concludes with a heartfelt message to Newcastillians. “I want to thank everyone for all the prayers, the support and well wishes. Also, it is important to remember, you cannot sit back and pity yourself when you face challenges, You need to grab the bull by the horns and make the best of life and the situation you find yourself in.”
As the renowned doctor rises above and proves to be an inspiration, what are your thoughts on Dr Burnie Burnard’s journey?
Share your messages in the comment section below.
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10 Responses
Dr Bernard wat a great inspiration you are to each and everyone I look up to you thank you Dr we all love you
Hello Dr. I’m so happy you managed to heal and come through all of this with the will power and Gods love. I always believe there’s always a reason for things to happen and instead of being pulled down you stood up..Happy healing and God bless.
I wish you everything of the best.
May you go from strength to strength.
Dr Burnard, you are a inspiration to everyone. You got up and carried on. You are a amazing Dr with so much compaction. Wishing you all the best for whatever you decide.
Met trane in my oë lees ek oor Dok se moeilike en lang pad na herstel. Maar met ń glimlag en gemoedsrus in my hart het ek geweet dat Dr Burnie met ń “bang” sou opstaan en terugveg…. want dis hoe ons Dok ken.
Dok is steeds in ons gebede en ons glo en vertrou dat Dok volkome sal herstel en die lewe met ń lied sal aanpak. Baie sterkte en liefde vir Dok xxx
Dr Burnard is a remarkable man. I admire his strength and courage. He is a true example of a fighting spirit and of hope.
Wishing you the best my friend. Thanks for your courage and sharing your journey.
Don Mingo
Beste Dr Burnard. Jammer om te lees van die honde voorval. Bly jy het so goed herstel. Hoop jou toekomsdrome val alles in plek en dat jy van krag tot krag sal gaan met al jou planne. Was lekker om weer iets van jou te hoor na al die jare net jammer dit was nie goeie nuus nie. Groete Susan Duncker.
Sterkte Burni, trots op jou moed en deursettingsvermoë!
God bless!
Good day Dr barnard I wish you well and speedy recovery. I would lik to know if you back to work