Fellow heart surgeon mentored by then-Dr. Russell M. Nelson returned service years later

KEY TAKEAWAYS

Dr. Robert Fowles, mentored by Dr. Russell M. Nelson, became the Nelsons' family doctor, before President Nelson became the president of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Fowles admired President Nelson's calmness in surgery, likening it to a scripted symphony.

President Nelson's compassion was evident when his wife passed in 2005, Fowles recalled.

SALT LAKE CITY — Before his service as apostle and prophet for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, President Russell M. Nelson was a heart surgeon – one who changed the world with his work and research.

Dr. Robert Fowles studied under the then-Dr. Nelson, and then Fowles went on to become the Nelson family's doctor.

Fowles is a cardiologist who first knew President Nelson when he served as his st