Dr. Michael R. Nelson, MD, PhD

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Get to know Allergist / Immunologist Dr. Michael R. Nelson, who serves patients in Bethesda, Maryland.

Dr. Nelson is a reputable, board-certified allergist / immunologist at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland.

In his current capacity, he also serves as the Division Chief for the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Virginia School of Medicine, the President of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology, and a member of Board of Directors of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS).

Pertaining to his educational background, Dr. Nelson graduated with his medical degree from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He performed his residency in internal medicine at Dwight D. Eisenhower Army Medical Center. Thereafter, he completed his fellowships in allergy and immunology & clinical and laboratory immunology at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

Demonstrating expertise in all areas of his field, he is board-certified in allergy and immunology by the American Board of Allergy and Immunology (ABAI). The mission of the ABAI is to improve the quality of medical care by the development and utilization of professional and educational standards for the initial certification and maintenance of certification of physician specialists in allergy and immunology. 

A U.S. Army Medical Corps Colonel, Dr. Nelson retired after 25 years of distinguished service in 2019. He has served as a Program Director, Department Chief, Director of Army Graduate Medical Education, and Chief Consultant to the U.S. Army Surgeon General; Director of Education, Training and Research at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center; and Vice Chair of the ACGME Allergy and Immunology Review Committee. He has consistently advocated for the specialty of allergy and immunology on a national scale through committee and task force service at the FDA, AMA, USP and most recently, as a member of the Vision for the Future Commission on Continuing Certification sponsored by the ABMS.

Allergy and immunology involve the management of disorders related to the immune system. These conditions range from the very common to the very rare, spanning all ages and encompassing various organ systems. An allergist / immunologist is a physician specially trained to diagnose, treat, and manage allergies, asthma, and immunologic disorders, including primary immunodeficiency disorders.

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