Campbell Clinic Orthopaedics has welcomed a new teammate — one who knows his way around the intricacies of the hand, wrist, and elbow with the precision of…well, an orthopedic surgeon.
Colin Ackerman, M.D., a board-certified, fellowship-trained upper extremity specialist, is officially on deck at the Clinic’s Wolf River location, adding even more firepower to an already robust team.
From Penn State to the OR: A Trajectory Built on Excellence
Originally from the Northeast, Ackerman’s academic path reads like a highlights reel. He graduated with highest distinction from Penn State’s Schreyer Honors College, then earned his M.D. at Thomas Jefferson University — complete with an induction into Alpha Omega Alpha, because apparently “good enough” isn’t in his vocabulary.
His research with The Rothman Orthopaedic Institute has been showcased at regional and national conferences, proving he’s as comfortable presenting data as he is dissecting a scapholunate ligament.
Training Ground: Philly to Indy
Ackerman completed his orthopedic surgery residency at Temple University Hospital, where hand trauma is abundant and clinic volume builds character. He then tackled advanced fellowship training at the Indiana Hand to Shoulder Center — one of the nation’s high temples of upper extremity expertise.
A Surgeon Who Still Thinks Like an Athlete
A former athlete, Ackerman brings an appreciation for biomechanics that extends beyond the textbook. His philosophy centers on personalized, evidence-based care — helping patients stay active, functional, and out of your Saturday morning call schedule. His holistic approach to diagnosis and recovery reflects the modern shift toward individualized orthopedic care that prioritizes both outcomes and quality of life.
What’s in his surgical toolbox? Practically Everything From Elbow to Fingertip
Ackerman’s operative repertoire spans the bread-and-butter to the highly specialized, including:
- Carpal and cubital tunnel releases
- Trigger finger releases
- Ganglion cyst excisions
- Scaphoid fractures and scapholunate ligament repairs/reconstructions
- Wrist arthroscopy
- Dupuytren’s Contracture surgery
- Basilar thumb arthritis arthroplasty
- Thumb Ulnar Collateral Ligament repair/reconstruction
- Elbow, wrist, forearm, and hand fracture care
- Tendon repairs and reconstructions, including biceps, triceps, digital nerves, and major peripheral nerve injuries
- Tendon transfers
- Local flap coverage for wrist and hand defects
In short: if it moves, clicks, catches, ruptures, or refuses to move at all, he’s ready to fix it.
Leadership’s Take
“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ackerman to the team at Campbell Clinic,” says Chief of Staff Dr. Frederick Azar. “His expertise will enable us to bring even more relief and mobility to our valued patients throughout the Mid-South region.” Translation: the Clinic just added another heavy hitter.
Dr. Ackerman is now accepting new patients at Campbell Clinic’s Wolf River location — good news for referring physicians and even better news for patients whose hands have been in the wrong hands for too long.