Dr. Nelson B. Powell achieved his degree of Doctor in Dental Surgery in 1974 from the University of California School of Dentistry in San Francisco and his degree of Doctor of Medicine in 1979 from the University of Washington School of Medicine. Dr. Powell made his residency in Head and Neck Surgery Otolaryngology at the Stanford University Medical Center in California. Presently he practices Otolaryngology in Palo Alto, California.

Dr. Powell is member of numerous professional societies and committees and laureate of various honors and awards just like for example the one for Outstanding Achievement in Medicine Award Santa Clara County Medical Association 2001 and Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Ira Tresley Research Award 1987 for the best original research in facial plastic surgery.