Born and raised in San Diego, Nelson graduated with a degree in chemical engineering but he realized he wanted to pursue a career in healthcare. He broadened his experience organizing healthcare clinics in Central America and attending PA school in upstate New York. After graduating, he returned and began practicing in San Diego. His clinical experience includes being an EMT and an internal medicine PA. 

In his free time, Nelson likes to watch movies, try new foods and spend time with family and friends.