Kaz J. Nelson, MD
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Contact Info
Associate Professor, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
Associate Designated Institutional Official, Graduate Medical Education
MD, University of Minnesota Medical School
Residency, Psychiatry, University of Minnesota
BA, University of Minnesota - Morris
Summary
I am an Honors graduate of the University of Minnesota-Morris, and received my medical degree and psychiatry residency training from the University of Minnesota Medical School. I am a certified in Psychiatry by theAmerican Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association. I practice at the University of Minnesota Medical Center. My clinical interests lie in the area of best practices in the diagnosis and management of severe personality disorders, suicide, and psychotherapeutic communication with patients in acute settings. I also serve in the position of Associate Designated Institutional Official with leadership responsibilities across residency and fellowship programs. I have presented at conferences nationally and internationally, as well as over 80 media contributions to local and national media outlets. I have produced a podcast with my brother, George, called "The Mind Deconstructed" which aims to serve the general community to demystify and increase understanding of common mental health conditions.
Expertise
- Personality disorders
- Self-injury and suicide
Awards & Recognition
University of Minnesota: External Awards:
Professional Associations
Research
Publications
Selected Peer-Reviewed Publications
Sims, E.*, Nelson, K. J., & Sisti, D. (2021) Borderline personality disorder, therapeutic privilege, integrated care: is it ethical to withhold a psychiatric diagnosis? Journal of Medical Ethics. Online ahead of print. 10.1136/medethics-2021-107216
Wichser, L., Homans, J. C., Leppink, E.*, Savage, W*. & Nelson, K. J. (2021) The Minnesota Arc: A New Model for Teaching the Psychiatric Interview to Medical Students Serving on Their Psychiatry Clerkship. Academic Psychiatry. Online ahead of print. PMID: 33904140
Pérez Ortiz, J. M., Koch, S. N. & Nelson, K. J. (2020) Suspected double delusional infestation involving pets in the veterinary setting. Annals of Clinical Psychiatry. 32(3):216-218. PMID: 32722732
Westlund Schreiner, M., Klimes-Dougan, B., Mueller, B. A., Nelson, K. J., Lim, K. O. & Cullen, K. R. (2019). Neurocircuitry associated with symptom dimensions at baseline and with change in borderline personality disorder. Psychiatry Research: Neuroimaging, 290, 58-65. doi: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2019.07.001
Nelson, K. (2018). Pharmacotherapy for Personality Disorders. UpToDate.
Nelson, K. J. (2013). Managing borderline personality disorder on general psychiatric units. Psychodynamic Psychiatry, 41(4), 563-74. doi: 10.1521/pdps.2013.41.4.563
Book
Primer on Schizophrenia and Related Disorders. Eds. Schulz SC, Green M, and Nelson KJ. April 1, 2016, Oxford University Press: New York.
Teaching
Teaching Areas
Associate Designated Institutional Official, Office of Graduate Medical Education, University of Minnesota Medical School.
University of Minnesota Resident Leadership Academy, Director.
"Health and Disease 5: Neuro, Psyche, Otolaryngology and Ophthalmology”, Director, University of Minnesota Medical School.
Clinical
Board Certifications
American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology
Clinical Interests
Dr. Nelson practices at the University of Minnesota Medical Center and her clinical interests lie in the area of best practices in the diagnosis and management of severe personality disorders, suicide, and psychotherapeutic communication with patients in acute settings.
Media
Video
The Mind Deconstructed: Mental Health and Wellness with Dr. Kaz and George
In The News
“'Empathy Fatigue' in Clinicians Rises With Latest COVID-19 Surge.” Quoted by Emily Sohn in an article published by the online news publication Medscape. | September 16, 2021 |
“Wellness Wednesday: World Suicide Prevention Day” Interviewed by Jill Riley in a pre-recorded discussion aired on KCMP FM 89.3 The Current Radio by Minnesota Public Radio. | September 8, 2021 |
“What Is Quiet BPD? Symptoms, Causes, Complications & Treatments” Quoted in an online article written by Eric Patterson, LPC, for the website, ChoosingTherapy. | August 20, 2021 |
“New Framework Teaches Better Doctor-Patient Conversations During a Personal Crisis.” Online article featuring the work of the Psychiatry Education Research Laboratory by University of Minnesota Medical School Communications author Brianna Vitands. | July 16, 2021 |
“11 Coping Skills Therapists Use to Deal With Their (Really Hard) Jobs.” Quoted in an article by Dr. Jessica Gold for the online publication SELF. | June 30, 2021 |
“13 Energizing Afternoon Habits That Can Make the Rest of Your Day So Much Better.” Quoted in an article by Amy Marturana Winderl for the online publication SELF. | June 16, 2021 |
“Post-pandemic anxiety: Returning to ‘normal’ after the pandemic”. Interviewed by Tom Crann on All Things Considered for Minnesota Public Radio. | June 1, 2021 |
“Zooming in on the Challenges of Remote Learning.” Video produced by University of Minnesota Communications. | May 5, 2021 |
“BPD Diagnosis: Tell or don’t tell patient?” Quoted in an article by Deborah Brauser for the online publication Medscape. | March 22, 2021 |
“Minnesota medical workers say thoughts of violence are nothing new.” Interviewed on camera by Sarah Danik for FOX9 News. | February 10, 2021 |