Michael Nelson MD PhD Recipient of Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award

Congratulations to Dr. Michael Nelson, Professor of Medicine and Division Chief for Asthma, Allergy, and Immunology; he has been named the 2023 recipient of the Walter Reed Distinguished Achievement Award.

This award is bestowed by the University of Virginia Medical Alumni Foundation. It recognizes professional accomplishments, outstanding innovation, and exemplary leadership in medicine and/or science by an alum, current or former faculty member, or a former resident or fellow of the University of Virginia School of Medicine. The award was established in 1996 by the UVA Medical Alumni Association and Medical School Foundation.

Dr. Nelson graduated from Princeton University with an AB in Chemistry in 1985 and then pursued his MD and PhD at the University of Virginia, graduating in 1993. Following this, Dr. Nelson joined the US Army and continued his Internal Medicine and Allergy and Immunology training at Walter Reed Army Medical Center. Since completing his training, Dr. Nelson has excelled in all parts of the traditional tri-partite mission of academic medical centers. Before joining us at UVA, Dr. Nelson was a Professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences and Co-Chair of the Allergy and Immunology Division. He is the current President of the American Board of Allergy and Immunology and serves on the Board of Directors for the American Board of Medical Specialties. He has recently retired from active duty military service at the rank of Colonel. Dr. Nelson’s research career has focused on the areas of allergen immunotherapy as well as vaccine immunology. He has been the investigator for numerous clinical trials in this area. Most recently, he has had a prominent role in the US Government’s Operation Warp Speed COVID-19 vaccine development program. He is an invited speaker at numerous national and international conferences. His expertise in allergen immunotherapy, extract preparation, and immunotherapy is highly sought after. The US Meritorious Service Medal and numerous other awards have recognized his contributions.

Please congratulate Dr. Nelson on this great honor!