Colm McCarthy ’09

Montreal native Colm McCarthy ’09 (biology and chemistry)  is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in knee and hip reconstruction surgery, currently practicing in Dartmouth, MA.

McCarthy began his career as an EMT and conducted search and rescue during the disaster relief phase following Hurricane Katrina. Drawn to the idea of helping people, he decided to pursue medicine.

Dr. McCarthy earned his medical degree at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. He completed a Master of Science degree in health science education and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, followed by a fellowship in orthopedic trauma surgery at McMaster University and a fellowship in hip and knee reconstruction at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard University.

Board-certified in orthopedic surgery as a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Canada, Dr. McCarthy has earned several awards, including the Canadian Medical Association’s Young Leader Award, the Ontario Medical Association’s Resident Achievement Award, and the Royal College’s Leadership Award.

While at Purchase, he worked with Professor Emerita Lee Ehrman, whom he refers to as his “academic mother.” It was she who urged him to pursue teaching as well as medicine.

“Her mentorship was critical in shaping my career as an educator. I always wanted to go to medical school, but Lee pointed out my love of teaching and encouraged me to pursue both careers,” he says.

He earned Purchase’s Outstanding Senior Awards in both biology and chemistry in 2009.

“We are all a product of our environment and SUNY Purchase and Lee have shaped my career in such positive ways,” he adds.