Eric Nelson, MD
Eric Nelson, MD, is an attending psychiatrist, educator, and researcher specializing in mood disorders and veteran mental health. He currently serves at Montefiore Einstein Advanced Care, where he is also Associate Director of the Mood Disorders Program and an Assistant Professor. Dr. Nelson earned his Doctor of Medicine from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, graduating with honors for distinction in research, and completed his psychiatry residency at Montefiore Health System, where he was recognized with the prestigious Outstanding House Officer Award in 2023.
Following residency, Dr. Nelson pursued advanced fellowship training through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in collaboration with Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, focusing on mental illness research and treatment, particularly for transitioning service members. A veteran himself, he served for 10 years as a U.S. Army officer, including combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan as an infantry officer and Army Ranger. This firsthand experience deeply informs his clinical work and research, allowing him to connect with and effectively support veteran populations navigating complex mental health challenges.
In addition to his clinical and research roles, Dr. Nelson is a committed educator, teaching and supervising psychiatry residents while contributing to the advancement of the field through scholarly publications, including work featured in JAMA Network Open. Known for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach, he is passionate about reducing the burden of psychiatric illness and improving outcomes not only for patients, but also for their families and communities. His work reflects a strong commitment to service, collaboration, and the ongoing pursuit of excellence in mental healthcare.
• SUNY Downstate - 2019
• Residency - Montefiore Einstein - 2023
• Fellowship - Mount Sinai - VA Program - 2025
• MD
• Outstanding Resident Award for Montefiore-Einstein - 2023
• Selected as Top Psychiatrist for 2026 - America's Best in Medicine
• American Psychiatric Association
Dr. Nelson has published a few articles in the past and currently has one article coming out soon that has been accepted for publication with revision. He mentioned he could provide a list of his published articles but did not have it available during the call.
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Mood Disorders
- Veterans
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I love most about what I do is getting to work with some really smart and compassionate, caring people who really help me to be effective at what we do - really helping people with psychiatric disorders. Some of which can be cured, some of which are lifelong, some of which are intermittent, but really reducing their impact and seeing the benefit, not just to the patients, but the families and other loved ones around them. I also really enjoy being a teacher and supervisor now, paying it forward after having such great mentors and teachers during my training.