Blair Nelson MDAssociate Director of Advising

Dr. Nelson began completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology at the University of North Dakota, discovering his passion for teaching while serving as a teaching assistant for an anatomy lab. Following his undergraduate degree, he pursued his medical education at the University of Minnesota, where he graduated with honors and began teaching USMLE step 1 preparation for Kaplan. Dr. Nelson’s enthusiasm for teaching continued during his residency training in family medicine at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he was elected chief resident of his program.

After completing his residency, Dr. Nelson embarked on a 12-year journey as a rural emergency medicine doctor in Fargo, North Dakota, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. During this time, he became director of medical education for his department and was named affiliate professor for the University of Minnesota and University of North Dakota medical schools. Dr. Nelson was dedicated to teaching all levels of medical education, including premedical students, medical students, residents-in-training, nursing students, paramedic students, physician assistant students, and nurse practitioner students. He also taught advanced cardiac life support classes and was honored with several awards throughout his career for teaching, including “Teacher of the Year” from the paramedic school and the North Dakota State University Tri-College nurse practitioner school. Throughout his career, Dr. Nelson’s passion for teaching remained strong, and he found great joy in imparting knowledge to his students. His commitment to education is evidenced by his numerous accolades, making him a source of inspiration to students and fellow educators.