Shannon Acker

Shannon Acker, MD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Surgery at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus School of Medicine and a practicing pediatric surgeon at Children's Hospital Colorado. She completed her MD at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (2010) and undergraduate degree at Emory University (2006). Her clinical focus spans neonatal surgery, minimally invasive procedures, thoracic/lung surgery, and gastroesophageal reflux disease management.

• MD, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine (2010)
• BS, Emory University (2006)

Dr. Acker's research aims to improve clinical decision-making in pediatric surgery through evidence-based practices, particularly addressing data gaps in common pathologies and trauma. Her work frequently involves multicenter collaborations like the Western Pediatric Surgery Research Consortium, focusing on trauma scoring systems, surgical outcomes, and healthcare disparities.

Recent publications highlight her expertise in trauma management (e.g., cervical collar injuries, vaping-associated trauma), oncological surgery (hepatoblastoma in genetic syndromes), and health services research (cost analysis, parental leave policies). She received the 2017 Golden Apple Award for teaching excellence and contributes to surgical education reform.

• Golden Apple Award, Resident Teacher of the Year (2017)

Dr. Acker's career bridges clinical practice, systematic research, and surgical education innovation, with over 100 publications spanning pediatric trauma, oncology, and critical care protocols.