About the Society
The Dr. D. Michael Nelson Society for Alumni and friends, was established in 2021 and honors the career of D. Michael Nelson, MD, PhD, Professor Emeritus and former Vice Chair of Obstetrics at Washington University School of Medicine. Prior to his retirement, Dr. Nelson had over 40 years of clinical experience treating patients at Washington University Medical Center and Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.
In addition to treating a high-risk obstetric population in St. Louis, he was instrumental in creating the Maternal-Fetal Transport Service. This service facilitated patient access to high-risk obstetrical services in over a 400 square mile region. Dr. Nelson also had a prolific research career, publishing over 150 papers on human placental development and placental dysfunction in addition to securing grant support from entities like the NIH, NATO, and the March of Dimes. At the time of his retirement, he published a personal perspectives article in the Green Journal.
His most memorable accomplishment is his teaching imprint on trainees; having touched the lives of over 350 obstetricians and gynecologists. Trainees remember his enthusiasm, innovation, and encyclopedic knowledge of the literature. He encouraged collaboration and free thought, but made sure his trainees understood the basics of practice management. Most importantly, he role modeled humanism in medicine. In honor of his impact on medical education, the Dr. D. Michael Nelson Society was developed to foster collaboration, reinforce life-long learning, and support the educational environment that he created during his career at Washington University.