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.
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