Beloved New Jersey Doctor, Mother of 12, Was ‘Angel On Earth’

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — The Essex County community continues to mourn and pay homage to the life of a prominent breast cancer physician and mother of 12 killed during a pedestrian-car strike in March.

The late Jan Huston-Pryor, an Essex Fells resident, has been posthumously named a finalist for Physician of the Year as part of the 2017 NJBIZ Healthcare Heroes Awards, Mountainside Medical Center stated in a news release.

The Healthcare Heroes program honors individuals and organizations that are making a “significant impact on the quality of healthcare in New Jersey.”

Huston-Pryor was married and raised 12 children, including several who were adopted from around the country and overseas, NJ.com reported.

The Mountainside Medical Group physician most recently served as medical director of the Breast Health Program at HackensackUMC Mountainside, and was the founder and director of Summit Breast Care.

According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, a vehicle struck Huston-Pryor as she was walking on the 200 block of Devon Road around 9:25 a.m. on March 21.

Emergency responders transported Huston-Pryor to HackensackUMC Mountainside Hospital in Montclair and Glen Ridge, where she was pronounced dead at 9:45 a.m.

The driver, who prosecutors declined to identify, remained at the scene, authorities said.

• See related article: Beloved N.J. Breast Cancer Doctor, Mother Of 12, Dies In Hospital Where She Worked

Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Medical Center, announced that Huston-Pryor was named as a finalist in the Healthcare Heroes program at a memorial service in her honor on May 23.

Her husband, Jonathan Pryor, described his late wife as an “angel on Earth” who was always present for her family and friends and having adopted 10 children, made it her mission to help care for the millions of orphans around the world.

“Dr. Huston was a pioneer in women’s breast health,” said CEO John Fromhold. “Jan’s affiliation with Mountainside Medical Center was a constant source of pride for myself and all of her colleagues at the hospital. Her immeasurable commitment to her family, to her patients and to the community-at-large ensures that while she will be greatly missed, she will never be forgotten. Let us remember that the power of one person can truly change the lives of many.”

“Dr. Huston floated into a room with that huge glowing smile on her face and she made you feel like anything was possible,” said Diane Hoffman, one of Huston’s general patients.

Mountainside Medical Center provided the following statement about Huston’s career:

“Dr. Huston began her career as a nurse, practicing for several years and then attending medical school. She served as a vascular and general surgeon, until her professional calling led to providing diagnosis and surgical treatment of breast disease. In 1999, she founded her own practice to offer patients access to skilled female specialists with a heightened sensitivity to the physical and emotional needs of women with breast health concerns. A leader in her field, Dr. Huston was an early proponent of the evidence-based approach to medicine now being widely embraced by colleagues.

“She was a key investigator for a study of the BreathLink test, using chemical biomarkers to evaluate the rapid point-of-care breath test for breast cancer. Known for her kind-hearted communication and genuine enthusiasm for the health and well-being of others, Dr. Huston is remembered for coaxing an easy laugh or a smile from those around her. With skill, care and commitment to her patients, she consistently made a positive and meaningful difference in the lives of her patients, their families and the communities she served.”

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Photos: Mountainside Medical Center