Darlene R. Nelson

Dr. Darlene R. Nelson is a practicing physician and medical educator at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, specializing in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine. She holds a Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE) from the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago (2020) and completed her medical training at Mayo Clinic.

• Board Certifications: Pulmonary Disease (2011), Critical Care Medicine (2012), Internal Medicine (2008)
• Education: MD (2005, University of Illinois College of Medicine); BA in Biology (2001, North Park University)

Her research focuses on interventional pulmonology, pleural disease, and medical education innovations. Recent publications analyze bronchoscopy learning curves, pain management after thoracoscopy, and ethical implications of AI in medical writing.

Key awards include the 2025 Cynthia Ray Humanitarian Award, multiple Distinguished CHEST Educator recognitions, and leadership roles in professional societies like the American Thoracic Society and American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology.

Dr. Nelson leads medical education research initiatives and serves on committees for clinical competency, recruitment, and curriculum development at Mayo Clinic.