MyLVAD Community Spotlight: Karl Nelson, RN, MBA

National Nurses Week is celebrated this month and MyLVAD would like to recognize a nurse in our Community Spotlight. Karl Nelson, RN, MBA is a pioneer whose contributions have greatly impacted the LVAD community. He started his career as a financial investor and stockbroker with a degree in finance from the University of Utah and an MBA from Brigham Young University. Karl decided to make a major career change and become a nurse. Once he received his nursing degree from University of Utah, he never looked back. He was one of the first LVAD coordinators in the United States and served as the Clinical Director at the Utah Artificial Heart Program. He is currently the Clinical Director for the INTEGRIS Advanced Cardiac Care Program at INTEGRIS Baptist Medical Center in Oklahoma City, OK.

Karl has been a major player in national policy and reimbursement for LVADs. He has worked to improve Medicare coverage and payment for LVADs and served as chairman for the US National Hospital Alliance for LVADs. He has also helped to shape the practice of LVAD coordinators through development of standards of care and education. Karl has participated in many LVAD research trials, highlighting his dedication to improving quality of life for those living with LVADs. On April 17th, Karl was given the distinguished honor of the ICCAC Coordinator of the Year from the International Consortium of Circulatory Assist Clinicians ( ICCAC; www.vadcoordinator.org ). The award is given each year to honor someone who has made great contributions to the LVAD field and has helped to shape the practice of LVAD coordinators.

In lieu of having Karl speak about himself in the community spotlight, we wanted to include some of the wonderful things that were said by those who nominated him for the award.

"As you probably know, Karl grew up in Texas. Even though he left, he never lost his "go big" attitude. Any project or program that Karl gets involved with will instantly take on a larger-than-life component. He was instrumental in the REMATCH trial and led his program to being the leading enroller in the trial. He has a pioneering spirit that has allowed him to develop two great VAD Programs, participate in a variety of clinical trials, and to make contributions to the VAD industry. The "go big" attitude permeates virtually every aspect of his life and he has been an inspiration for many people."

"Karl Nelson is the person who I would nominate. Karl has been in this field longer than most working under Dr. Long in both Utah and Oklahoma. He is the most caring person I know. He bends over backwards to help change lives. He is a pioneer in this field. He is driven and dedicated to the mechanical circulatory support field. He sets a goal and achieves it when it comes to growing the field. You will never find someone who is more dedicated or believes in our mission as LVAD coordinators more than this man."

MyLVAD would like to congratulate Karl as the ICCAC Coordinator of the Year. We are proud to spotlight Karl and his many accomplishments!