Catching up with Salisbury graduate Colin Ackerman
What is your full name?
Colin Thomas Ackerman
When did you graduate from Salisbury?
I graduated in 2009.
Tell us about your life since high school.
Since graduating high school, I completed my undergraduate degree at Penn State, Schreyer Honors College where I majored in Biology. After college, I moved to Philadelphia where I’ve been since. I completed medical school at Thomas Jefferson and just started my fourth year (of five) at Temple University Hospital in orthopaedic surgery residency.
How has the pandemic impacted you and what have you learned from it?
We had to stop all elective cases for about two months, and are slowly starting to get back up to speed. With less people playing sports and the fear of COVID/getting tested, numbers will be down for a while. But it’s Philly, and our trauma cases continue to rise, even during this pandemic.
I was planning to complete my first Ironman Triathlon at the end of September, but thanks to COVID, I’ll get a year extension on my training.
I learned we must be flexible and will never be able to predict the future. Those who have the capability to adapt, have the greatest potential and opportunities for the future. It’s a great eye-opening experience. And with any situation, you can perseverate on the negatives, or just focus on the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tell us about your summer.
When I can, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, making quick trips to the beach, and enjoying the beautiful weather. I’m hoping to get up to Upstate NY and Maine in the next few weeks for some hiking. Additionally, I’m in the process of completing my fellowship application for a one year post-residency training in hand and upper extremity surgery.
What was your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memories are easily from soccer. I loved all the pasta dinners, including the pork fried rice Ng’s parents would make us. That is still the best pork fried rice I’ve ever had, and I currently live in Chinatown.
Additionally, I enjoyed spending 10 days over in the UK with Coach Nolan and Coach Allinson, having the opportunity to train with local coaches and teams, while touring the surrounding culture.
What is your favorite movie or TV show and why?
South Park - Dumb humor that allows me to take my mind off of things.
How is your family doing?
My family is doing well. My sister, Paige (2014 graduate), is a Certified Pediatric Registered Nurse at LVHN Reilly Children's Hospital. My parents still live in Salisbury, both working for LVHN and have been very busy during this pandemic.
Who is your role model and why?
There have been many in my life, although my family has been with me every step of the way.
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