Biosketch
Dr. Nelson specialized in women's health research and worked as a physician and research scientist in Bethesda, Maryland for 30 years. He led a research effort at the National Institutes of Health Clinical Center. His research effort focused on primary ovarian insufficiency, a disorder that causes infertility and symptoms of menopause in young women. The purpose of this research was to increase understanding of the causes of primary ovarian insufficiency and to develop better treatments that are proven to be safe and effective.
He is the author of the February 2009 New England Journal of Medicine article "Primary Ovarian Insufficiency" (formerly known as premature menopause or premature ovarian failure).
His research approached wellness in an integrated manner with a goal to help women touched by this condition achieve balance in body, mind, spirit, and emotion. "Doc" now serves as a volunteer Senior Advisor to ConoverSystems.org, a nonprofit organization governed by women who have Primary Ovarian Insufficiency.
After receiving his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pittsburgh in 1973, Doc completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Southern California. He later spent several years in private practice in Lynchburg, Virginia before returning to academia to complete a clinical research attachment at Hammersmith Hospital in London, a fellowship in reproductive endocrinology at George Washington University, and a research fellowship at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
Doc received board certification from the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology for specialization in Reproductive Endocrinology. In addition to earning his M.D., Dr. Nelson holds an M.B.A. from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA where he concentrated his studies on human resource management and the management of nonprofit organizations. He is a retired Commissioned Officer of the United States Public Health Service. Doc is a recipient of their prestigious Meritorious Service Medal in honor of his research on primary ovarian insufficiency. His approach to patient care has been recognized by the Art of Listening Award from the Genetic Alliance. His efforts have also been recognized by the Health Advocate Award, given by the American Association of Occupational Therapists, for his "Leadership in Comprehensive Interdisciplinary Intervention for Women's Health."
Doc's work has been covered by National Public Radio, "Irregular Period? It Could Be More Than Just Stress" and by USA Today, "Don't say 'early menopause,' it's primary ovarian insufficiency."
He collaborates with ConoverSystems.org to improve care for women with primary ovarian insufficiency. He brought together diverse stakeholders to publish a vision of how to advance the field: The time is now for a new approach to primary ovarian insufficiency, A design thinking approach to primary ovarian insufficiency, and An open letter to the primary ovarian insufficiency community. He places special emphasis of helping couples cope with the emotional effects of primary ovarian insufficiency and the associated infertility, as illustrated in this video.
nejm_poi_clinical_practice_feb_5_2008.pdf | |
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the_time_is_now_for_a_new_approach_to_primary_ovarian_insufficiency_fertil_steril_2010.pdf | |
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sem_reprod_med_poi_wellness_2011.pdf | |
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