Russell M. Nelson was born on September 9, 1924 in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was the son of Marion Nelson, a reporter for the Deseret News, and Floss Nelson. From a young age, Russell showed a keen interest in science and medicine. He attended the University of Utah and later went on to earn his PhD in medicine at the University of Minnesota. During his time at the University of Minnesota, he made significant contributions to the development of the heart-lung machine, a device that revolutionized open-heart surgery.
After completing his education, Russell Nelson began his career as a renowned heart surgeon. He worked at various hospitals before eventually becoming a professor of surgery at the University of Utah. Throughout his medical career, he performed groundbreaking surgeries and published numerous research papers in prestigious medical journals.
Despite his successful career in medicine, Russell Nelson felt a calling to pursue a more spiritual path. In 1984, he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the next 34 years, he traveled the world, sharing his message of faith and love with millions of people.
In 2018, Russell Nelson was ordained as the 17th prophet of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, succeeding Thomas S. Monson. As prophet, he has continued to inspire and uplift members of the church with his messages of hope and faith. He has also written 10 inspirational books, sharing his wisdom and insights with a wider audience.
Overall, Russell Nelson's life has been defined by his dedication to both science and spirituality. He continues to lead The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints with compassion and integrity, inspiring millions of people around the world to live a life filled with faith and love.