Heidi Nelson MD

Heidi Nelson, M.D., is in the field of colon and rectal cancer. The long-term goal of her research program is to improve both the duration of life and quality of life for patients with colon and rectal cancer. She has made use of both comprehensive clinical research databases and clinical trials to achieve her research goals.

Dr. Nelson's research efforts have helped reduce the impact of surgery on patients with the early-stage disease through the safe introduction of laparoscopic and minimally invasive surgical approaches. Her work has helped reduce the cancer burden in patients with locally advanced and recurrent rectal cancer through studies examining the role of complex surgeries and intraoperative radiation therapy.

Dr. Nelson's research has been funded by the National Institutes of Health, American Cancer Society, American Society of Colorectal Surgeons, and other organizations.