Russell M. Nelson: A Life of Service in Medicine and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

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Russell M. Nelson is the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Born on September 9, 1924, in Salt Lake City, Utah, he has had a distinguished career both in medicine and in his church service.

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Early Life and Education

Birth and Family: Russell Marion Nelson was born to Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson. He had two sisters and a brother. His family was not active in the Church while he was growing up.

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Education: He skipped the fifth grade and graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City as the valedictorian at age 16. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously from the University of Utah in 1947, graduating at the age of 22. He later received his M.D. degree from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

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Medical Career

Early Career: Nelson performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955 and was involved in the development of the heart-lung machine. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War and held various academic and surgical positions, including at Harvard and the University of Minnesota.

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Achievements: He was nationally recognized as an exceptional surgeon and received numerous awards, including the Heart of Gold award in 2002 for his contributions to the fight against heart disease and strokes.

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Church Service

Call to Apostleship: Nelson was called as an Apostle in 1984 and served in various capacities, including as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before becoming the President of the Church in 2018.

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Presidency: As President, he has emphasized the importance of staying on the covenant path, increasing spiritual capacity, and the gathering of Israel. He has also focused on the construction of temples, announcing 153 new temples worldwide during his presidency.

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Recent Activities

100th Birthday: On September 9, 2024, Nelson turned 100 years old. His life and service have been celebrated through various media, including a new book titled "Heart of the Matter," which shares his life lessons and experiences.

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General Conference: He continues to address the church through general conferences, where he has given numerous invitations to members to deepen their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

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Social Media and Public Statements: Nelson has used social media to extend invitations and share messages of peace and understanding, particularly during times of social unrest and conflict.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family: Nelson married Dantzel White in 1945, and they had ten children. After Dantzel's death in 2005, he married Wendy Watson in 2006. He has 57 grandchildren and 160 great-grandchildren.

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Interests and Hobbies: As a child, he played the bugle, participated in the debate team, and had a love for music and football. He also enjoyed playing the piano and had a good singing voice.

Russell M. Nelson's life and service have been marked by significant contributions to both the medical field and his church, making him a prominent figure in both arenas.

Russell M. Nelson: A Life of Service in Medicine and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Preview

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family: Russell Marion Nelson was born to Marion C. and Edna Anderson Nelson. He had two sisters and a brother. His family was not active in the Church while he was growing up.

Preview
Education: He skipped the fifth grade and graduated from East High School in Salt Lake City as the valedictorian at age 16. He earned his bachelor's and master's degrees simultaneously from the University of Utah in 1947, graduating at the age of 22. He later received his M.D. degree from the University of Utah and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota.

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Medical Career

Early Career: Nelson performed the first open-heart surgery in Utah in 1955 and was involved in the development of the heart-lung machine. He served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps during the Korean War and held various academic and surgical positions, including at Harvard and the University of Minnesota.

Preview
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Achievements: He was nationally recognized as an exceptional surgeon and received numerous awards, including the Heart of Gold award in 2002 for his contributions to the fight against heart disease and strokes.

Preview

Church Service

Call to Apostleship: Nelson was called as an Apostle in 1984 and served in various capacities, including as president of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles before becoming the President of the Church in 2018.

Preview
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Presidency: As President, he has emphasized the importance of staying on the covenant path, increasing spiritual capacity, and the gathering of Israel. He has also focused on the construction of temples, announcing 153 new temples worldwide during his presidency.

Preview

Recent Activities

100th Birthday: On September 9, 2024, Nelson turned 100 years old. His life and service have been celebrated through various media, including a new book titled "Heart of the Matter," which shares his life lessons and experiences.

Preview
Preview
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General Conference: He continues to address the church through general conferences, where he has given numerous invitations to members to deepen their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ.

Preview
Preview
Social Media and Public Statements: Nelson has used social media to extend invitations and share messages of peace and understanding, particularly during times of social unrest and conflict.

Personal Life

Marriages and Family: Nelson married Dantzel White in 1945, and they had ten children. After Dantzel's death in 2005, he married Wendy Watson in 2006. He has 57 grandchildren and 160 great-grandchildren.

Preview
Interests and Hobbies: As a child, he played the bugle, participated in the debate team, and had a love for music and football. He also enjoyed playing the piano and had a good singing voice.

Russell M. Nelson's life and service have been marked by significant contributions to both the medical field and his church, making him a prominent figure in both arenas.