At Case Western Reserve University, Nancy Nelson becomes the first woman chief resident in pediatrics. During her residency she works with renowned Dr. Benjamin Spock author of The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care.

Becomes the first female president of the Denver Medical Society.

Awarded the Silver and Gold Award, the School of Medicine Medical Alumni Association’s highest honor. The award is given in recognition of Excellence in Humanitarianism, Citizenship and Professionalism, and is presented for outstanding service to the community and contributions to the science and art of medicine.

Honorarily inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

Retires from the University of Colorado and receives clinical professor emerita status in pediatrics.

Honored with the Florence Sabin Award and the prestigious Joseph St. Geme Award.

Receives the Krugman Distinguished Service Award from the School of Medicine.

With her brother, James Nelson, establishes the Nelson Endowed Award at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. The award supports the next generation of physicians entering pediatrics, internal medicine, or family medicine.