D. Michael Nelson, MD, PhD

D. Michael Nelson, MD, PhD, the Virginia S. Lang Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is being recognized as a consummate educator who excels in teaching, research and clinical practice.

Nelson, also vice-chairman of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, is known for his unmatched knowledge of the scientific literature and for his exemplary skill in sharing that knowledge to instill an appreciation for evidence-based medicine. Nelson became course master of the OB/GYN section of the second-year pathophysiology course in 2007. Applying his outstanding organizational skills and passion for the subject matter, he has reworked the course’s curriculum to rave reviews, incorporating such popular features as live ultrasound examinations. In addition, he teaches third-year students during clinical rotations and fourth-year students in sub-internships. Students credit Nelson for imparting a strong foundation in basic principles of obstetrics and for demonstrating the intricate interplay between it and other specialties.

Nelson earned his bachelor’s degree from Cornell College in Iowa in 1971 and his medical and doctoral degrees from Washington University in 1977. He performed residency training in obstetrics and gynecology at Barnes Hospital and a maternal-fetal medicine fellowship at The Ohio State University, and then joined the Washington University faculty in 1983.

Nelson has served in many leadership roles at the medical center, including six years as a division director and four years as fellowship director. He was honored with the Excellence in Teaching award every year from 1995 until 2006, when it was discontinued. He has received four teaching awards from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and has been recognized for his research contributions in placental pathophysiology by the Society for Gynecologic Investigation. The State of Missouri Maternal, Child and Family Health Coalition honored him in 2009 with its Standing Up for Mothers and Babies Outstanding Clinician Award.