Russell Marion Nelson Sr. is a prominent American religious leader and a famous retired heart surgeon. Russell Marion Nelson Sr. is a distinguished American religious figure and former heart surgeon. Currently, Nelson serves as the 17th president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). Nelson transitioned his career from the medical field to a prominent position of global religious leadership. What about Russell M. Nelson’s net worth?
Russell M. Nelson’s Net Worth
As of 2025, Russell M. Nelson’s net worth is around $10 million. This wealth is attributed to his medical career, investments, and financial benefits from his leadership role in the Church. Some other sources estimate that his net worth is $10-15 million, accumulated through his work in medical research and religious activities.
Hafi.pro estimates his Instagram income to be between $20,200 and $27,640 per month, with weekly earnings between $5.1K and $6.9K. His estimated yearly income ranges from $234.6K to $321.4K.
Early Life and Education
Russell M. Nelson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Edna Anderson Nelson and Marion C. Nelson. During the Great Depression, he worked as an errand boy at his father’s advertising agency when he was just 10. His mother was a soloist with the Tabernacle Choir.
Nelson developed an interest in chemistry, biology, and helping people during high school. At 15, he decided to become a physician. At 16, he was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He graduated as valedictorian from East High School in 1941. Nelson then attended the University of Utah, earning a bachelor’s degree in 1945 and a medical degree in 1947.
Medical Career
Nelson got surgical training included work at the University of Minnesota and Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston. In 1954, he received a Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota. In 1955, Nelson returned to Salt Lake City and joined the University of Utah School of Medicine faculty. He built his own heart-lung bypass machine and used it to support the first open-heart surgery in the United States west of the Mississippi River. He was among the first three American surgeons to successfully perform such an open-heart operation.
During the Korean War, Nelson served in the U.S. Army Medical Corps, stationed at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.He was part of a research team focused on improving the treatment of the wounded. After 20 months, he left active duty as a captain.
Nelson was the director of the University of Utah thoracic surgery residency program and chair of the Division of Thoracic Surgery at LDS Hospital. He was also elected president of the Utah State Medical Association. He held appointments as a visiting professor of surgery at the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico City and the Catholic University in Santiago, Chile, in 1981.
In 1975, he became president of the Society for Vascular Surgery and later served as a director for the American Board of Thoracic Surgery. Before becoming an apostle, he performed nearly 7,000 operations.
In recognition of his contributions, the University of Utah and the American College of Cardiology established the Russell M. Nelson MD, PhD Visiting Professorship in Cardiothoracic Surgery in 2015.
Religious Leadership
Nelson was appointed to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984. In January 2018, he became the Church’s president. His leadership has been marked by efforts to modernize church policies and reinforce the central role of Jesus Christ. He has also spoken out on significant issues such as racial equality and public health, notably supporting vaccination and mask usage during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to his apostolic call, he served as stake president of the Bonneville Stake and later as a Regional Representative.
Personal Life
Russell M. Nelson was married to Dantzel White, with whom he had ten children. After her death of Dantzel, he married Wendy L. Watson. Nelson speaks multiple languages, including Mandarin.
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