Memoir
Date Published: February 14, 2026
Tattered Flesh, Resilient Spirit is a powerful and deeply personal medical
memoir that chronicles the extraordinary survival of physician Craig H.
Collison, M.D., who, at the height of his medical training, was suddenly
struck by a devastating case of necrotizing fasciitis-commonly known as
“flesh-eating bacteria.”
Told through the rare dual lens of doctor and patient, this gripping narrative
offers a day-by-day account of emergency surgeries, intensive care, organ
failure, and prolonged rehabilitation.
Interwoven throughout the story are intimate bedside journal entries written
by Collison’s wife, family, and friends-capturing raw fear, unwavering love,
and the strength of a community united by hope.
Beyond the medical drama, Tattered Flesh, Resilient Spirit is a testimony to
faith, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. Biblical reflections
accompany the journey, offering spiritual insight and comfort during moments
of despair and uncertainty. The book also includes a patient- and
family-focused appendix, making it both a compelling memoir and a meaningful
resource for those navigating critical illness.
Craig H. Collison, MD grew up in central Pennsylvania, graduating from State
College High School. He earned an engineering degree from Penn State
University and went on to medical school at Wake Forest University. He then
did his Pediatrics training at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital,
part of Case Western Reserve University. In the last months of his residency
training, he had a surgery to remove a lipoma that got super-infected, causing
necrotizing fasciitis and myositis (flesh-eating bacteria). The book “Tattered
Flesh, Resilient Spirit” chronicles this illness and how faith in God and an
incredible health team helped Craig and his family through the most difficult
challenge of his life.
After many months in the hospital, he and his family then returned home to
central Pennsylvania to work as a general Pediatrician with Centre Medical and
Surgical Associates and Mount Nittany Medical Center, now combined as the
Mount Nittany Health System. He lives with his wife, Michelle, his children,
Taylor, Chase, Caroline and Lydia, and their dogs, Penny and Josie, in
“The Simon Pickel House.” This 1833 stone house resides in the
small village of Madisonburg, part of the Penns Valley area. He recently moved
his practice to Mount Nittany Physician Group – Penns Valley to be closer to
home and really take care of children in the Penns Valley area. His interests
outside work include football, volleyball, golf, playing guitar and, most
importantly, being an involved husband and dad.
