Benjamin Nelson, MD - Kelley House Mentor

Dr. Ben Nelson, MD grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and moved to Rockville, Maryland, in junior high. He attended Georgetown University, where he earned a BS in Chemistry in 2000, and received his medical degree from Georgetown in 2005. He completed his pediatric residency in 2008 and his pediatric pulmonary fellowship in 2011, both at MassGeneral for Children in Boston. 

Dr. Nelson joined the pediatric pulmonary staff at MassGeneral for Children in 2011. He became Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Pulmonary Fellowship in 2012 and Program Director in 2015. In 2026, he was thrilled to join the pediatric pulmonary division at UMass, where he is currently an Associate Professor focusing on pediatric asthma, BPD, and bronchoscopy. In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Nelson has built a career in medical education, with interests in evidence-based medicine, trainee well-being, recruitment, curriculum design, and workforce issues. In 2023, the American Thoracic Society Assembly on Pediatrics recognized him with the Clinician Educator Award for his outstanding and innovative clinical and teaching abilities. 

Dr. Nelson lives in Boxborough, Massachusetts, with his wife, twin daughters, and dog. Outside of work, he spends most of his time with his family. They love to travel and explore new places, watch movies, and play games.  They spend as much time as they can at Lake Winnipesaukee in New Hampshire. 

“Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, and sacrifice…” — Pelé