After medical school and residency, I served nine years in the United States Air Force, gaining valuable trauma experience during a combat tour in Iraq. I also had the privilege of caring for the Air Force Academy hockey team, which had just completed its third NCAA tournament appearance. My experience and expertise will help me to improve on an already outstanding team at Heartland Orthopedic Specialists, with the goal of improving the quality of life for the people of west central Minnesota. As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, I am focused on sports medicine and general orthopedics. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling, fishing, hunting, golfing, and spending time with my wife and two children.

Education & Training

• Undergraduate Degree: United States Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO
• Medical Degree: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Orthopaedic Surgery Residency: University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN
• Board Certification: American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
• Subspecialty Certification: Sports Medicine by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

Professional Affiliations

• Fellow, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Member, Society of Military Orthopaedic Surgeons

Previous Team Affiliations

• Former team physician for the United States Air Force Academy NCAA Division I Ice Hockey Team

Special Interests

• General Orthopedics
• Sports Medicine

Learn more about Dr. Nelson or schedule an appointment here: https://www.heartlandorthopedics.com/doctors/eric-w-nelson-md