As a medical student, Dr. Adam Nicholson was quickly captivated by the diversity of medical challenges a career in emergency medicine presented. He found inspiration in being part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team of health care professionals dedicated to providing compassionate patient care, without conditions.
Nicholson succinctly captures his enthusiasm for the field: “Emergency Medicine is the most exciting 15 minutes of any specialty.”
He earned his medical degree from the University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine and completed his emergency medicine residency at the University of Michigan/ St. Joseph Mercy Hospital, where he served as chief resident. During residency, Nicholson also participated in the Graduate Medical Education Scholars Program in Health Care Administration, underscoring his commitment to leadership and systemic improvement in medical education.
Nicholson currently serves as Medical Director for Patient Safety and Quality at the BerbeeWalsh Department of Emergency Medicine (DEM). He also chairs the department’s Peer Review Committee and oversees its Morbidity and Mortality Conference. Nicholson’s professional passions extend beyond clinical practice into medical education and mentorship. As a Partner Longitudinal Teacher Coach with the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, he supports a diverse body of students in pursuing their goals and interests.
“Educating and mentoring medical students and residents allows our specialty to grow and continually evolve,” Nicholson says. He is particularly interested in enhancing training outcomes by integrating simulation and carefully selected clinical cases into everyday teaching.
Discussing emergency medicine’s distinctive strengths, Nicholson highlights its demand for rapid, decisive action, often with limited information. “Our specialty excels at quickly synthesizing available data to efficiently resolve complex situations,” he explains. He also values the meaningful, if brief, connections he forges with patients: “These short interactions often leave lasting impressions, reinforcing the significance of our role.”
After six years as faculty at UW–Madison, Nicholson says he is still inspired daily by his colleagues’ professionalism, dedication and collaborative spirit. “Working alongside such motivated and compassionate individuals is a privilege,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a better environment to grow my career and explore my interests.”
“Our specialty excels at quickly synthesizing available data to efficiently resolve complex situations.”
Nicholson also emphasizes the importance of personal well-being to sustain professional effectiveness. Reflecting on the best advice he ever received, he humorously shares, “Eat on shift — no one provides optimal care when they’re hungry.” This practical wisdom, passed down by mentors who stressed caring for colleagues, shapes his own approach to team building and mentorship.
Balancing professional and personal life is equally important to him. He prioritizes family time, supporting his children in their school and sports activities, and cherishing simple moments together, like cooking or walking the family dog.
Dr. Nicholson expresses deep appreciation for UW–Madison’s uniquely supportive and patient-centered culture, which he says allows him to maintain that balance: “UW stands out because of its genuine emphasis on collaborative health care, collegial relationships, and a supportive and positive clinical environment.”