Dr. Ackerman received his veterinary degree from the Ontario Veterinary College (Canada), and board certification from the American College of Veterinary Dermatology. In addition to his veterinary credentials, Dr. Ackerman holds a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard University, a Masters in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix, a Certificate in Veterinary Practice Administration from Purdue University, and he is a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) through the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA).

Currently, he is an independent consultant, author and lecturer, on the Fear-Free Advisory Board, is a Fear-Free Certified Professional, is a founding member of the Global Veterinary Dermatology Education Group (GVDEG) and is on the Continuing Education Committee of the World Small Animal Veterinary Association. He has authored or co-authored several books (including Five- Minute Veterinary Practice Management Consult, Pet-Specific Care, The Genetic Connection, Problem Free Pets, Behavior Problems of the Dog & Cat, and Atlas of Small Animal Dermatology), and has lectured extensively on a global basis, on topics in both medicine and management