For Alumni
» George Link Ackerman, M.D.

The Renaissance Professor
A Video Interview with George Link Ackerman, M.D. ’54

George Ackerman, M.D., has inspired countless students, residents and others during more than four decades of service to the College of Medicine. In a videotaped interview, the professor emeritus reflected on subjects ranging from his early years and other pillars in the Department of Medicine to literature and changing times.

The interview was first presented at Internal Medicine Grand Rounds in March 2008, and we are pleased to make it available to our online readers. The 55-minute interview has been divided into segments to facilitate downloading.

Interviewers Richard P. Wheeler, M.D., and Robert W. Bradsher Jr., M.D., both 1976 COM graduates, were mentored by Ackerman. Wheeler is now the executive associate dean for academic affairs. Bradsher is director of the Infectious Disease Section and the Richard V. Ebert Professor in Internal Medicine.

“Dr. Ackerman has always been a true Renaissance man,” said Wheeler. “When you went to his house, you might have found him feeding limbs into a wood chipper, or sitting and reading anything from medical journals to Balzac.”

Ackerman joined the faculty in 1961. He served as chairman of the Department of Internal Medicine from 1976 to 1977 and again from 1985 to 1988, and also served as vice chairman of the department. He retired in 2000.