Neurologist Dr. Kevin Nelson to speak at UPEI

Neuromuscular neurologist and author Dr. Kevin Nelson will be on campus on January 28 and will present 'In the Borderlands of consciousness: spirituality arising from the brain in crisis' from 7-9 pm in AVC's Lecture Theatre A.

He is the director of medical affairs, assistant dean for clinical affairs, and professor of neurology at the University of Kentucky located in Lexington. Nelson has a PEI connection as he's married to Rustico native, Dr. Anne Steele (nee Gallant). Steele, who is a child psychiatrist, is also a UPEI alumna. Nelson and Steele enjoy vacationing at their summer cottage in Cymbria, PEI.

He is the author of The Spiritual Doorway in the Brain: A Neurologist's Search for the God Experience. Oliver Sacks, physician, best-selling author, and professor of neurology at the NYU School of Medicine explains that Nelson's book 'gives us a sense of how evolutionarily based mechanisms in the brain can serve the highest religious functions' and describes the book as 'an eloquent and compassionate landmark in our understanding of human nature.'

Nelson has practiced clinical neurology and neurophysiology for more than 25 years and has been published in scientific journals including Muscle and Nerve, Neurology, the New England Journal of Medicine, and in the popular publication Psychology Today. Currently, Nelson oversees the medical and surgical practice of 1,300 University of Kentucky Healthcare Enterprise physicians and healthcare providers. He is also active in the national society devoted to the study and practice of neuromuscular medicine.

Nelson will discuss the remarkable phenomena of near-death experiences and life-altering events, and how the brain is working during these moments. The lecture is free and all are welcome to attend.

This lecture is hosted by the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Science with assistance from the departments of psychology, philosophy, and religious studies.