Eric Nelson, MD, FACS, FASCRS, grew up in Greeneville, TN to physician parents who instilled a love for all things medical. He completed his degree in music at Southern Adventist University in 2002, his MD degree at Loma Linda University in 2006, and then completed a surgery residency at University of California, Davis, finishing in 2012. He then moved back to TN, completing a Colon and Rectal Surgery fellowship at University of TN, Chattanooga, in 2013, and now is an Asst. Professor of Surgery at University of TN, Chattanooga and Associate Program Director.

During his time in Loma Linda, Eric and his wife Rachel were very involved in health outreach. They started the first medical student-led lifestyle change program, eventually leading to the formation of a new residency, the "Lifestyle Medicine Residency" at Loma Linda University.

Eric and Rachel's interests include medical education, health outreach, church planting, and spending time outdoors with their children Amy, and Michael. Musical endeavors, camping and kayaking on the Ocoee river are frequent family activities. As part of health outreach, Eric is the International Director of the Best Weigh program.