Russell Marion Nelson (1924-2025) is an American religious leader and former surgeon who served as the 17th President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
Before his calling to the Quorum of the Twelve, Nelson was a pioneering heart surgeon who performed Utah’s first open-heart surgery using a heart-lung machine. He earned his MD from the University of Utah and PhD from the University of Minnesota. He contributed to the development of cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.
His teachings emphasize learning to listen to others, including those of diverse religious or political perspectives, promoting tolerance and understanding. He has taught that the wise listen to learn from neighbors, showing that spiritual growth includes openness to others’ experiences and sentiments.