Dr. Laurie Ackerman earned her M.D. from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine in 1997. She completed her fellowship at the Riley Hospital for Children, Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM) in 2004, specializing in pediatric neurosurgery. Ackerman works as a neurosurgeon in Indianapolis, Indiana where she collaborates with various hospitals in the area, such as Indiana University Medical Center and Indiana University Noth Hospital. She specializes in neurosurgery, particularly pediatric neurosurgery and neurocritical care. Ackerman began her teaching career at IUPUI in 2007 as an assistant professor in the Department of Neurological Surgery at the IUSM. She was promoted to clinical associate professor in 2018 and earned the title of John E. Kalsbeck Scholar in Pediatric Neurosurgery in 2020. After spending several years as a nurse, Ackerman chose to pursue medical school to obtain her M.D. She said she was fascinated by neurosurgery, especially pediatric neurosurgery. Throughout her ongoing career, she has provided support and built longitudinal relationships with countless patients and families.