Dr. Nelson grew up on a farm near Bowbells, North Dakota, and received his undergraduate degree from Dana College in Nebraska. He graduated from the University of Iowa College of Medicine in 1975 and the Cedar Rapids Family Practice Residency in 1978.

Dr. Nelson was in private practice in Cedar Rapids for six years before joining the faculty in 1984. As Director of Medical Informatics, Dr. Nelson oversees the curriculum. He was named Educator of the Year in 1990 by the Iowa Academy of Family Physicians.

Dr. Nelson's wife, Mary Anne, is also a family doctor in Cedar Rapids. In his spare time, Dr. Nelson enjoys experimenting with computers and electronics. He is also active in local church and several community organizations.