By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
April 1, 2026
Q&A with Dr. Nelson, new Walther Supportive Oncology Center director
Christian "Chris" Nelson, PhD, the new director of the Walther Center for Supportive Oncology at the cancer center, is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist. He’s known for developing clinical expertise to treat distress related to sexual dysfunction following cancer treatment as well as distress related to the combined issues of aging and cancer. As a researcher, he’s been involved in projects that tested psychotherapies targeted for specific cancers and survivorship issues. These include psychotherapies to help men adhere to sexual rehabilitation programs, to help older cancer patients cope with their disease, and testing a psychotherapy designed to help testicular cancer patients explore life goals and regulate their emotions.
Most recently at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, Nelson begins at IU on April 1. He said he was attracted to IU because of the chance to build an integrated supportive oncology program, one grounded in both research and clinical care.
Nelson answered questions about coming to IU, his research, and more.
Q. Welcome to IU and IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. Since you completed your undergrad at the University of Minnesota, is this a Midwest homecoming of sorts for you? Where are you originally from?
A. Yes, a Midwest homecoming for sure. I grew up in Duluth, Minn., and received my undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. I also have a master’s degree from the Hubert H. Humphry School of Public Affairs at the University of Minnesota. The Midwest culture is very familiar to me. I have lived in New York City (which I love) for about 33 years, but now it is time to come back to the Midwest.
Q. What attracted you to this role at the cancer center?
A. I was interested in developing an integrated program in supportive oncology and hope to build on the already excellent pieces in place here at the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center. At Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, where I worked for over 20 years, there were well established aspects of supportive oncology (psycho-oncology, integrative medicine, palliative medicine), however, those aspects are not well integrated. I am interested in building an integrated program which helps patients throughout their cancer trajectory.
Q. What is your top priority as the director?
A. I think to solidify a vision for the program. I obviously have thoughts on this, but the top priority will be working with the Walther Foundation board, cancer center leadership, and program faculty and staff to develop a vision we all will be excited to move forward.
Q. What led you to this line of work?
A. I would like to say it was all planned out this way, however, like most of us and our work history, I just kind of fell into it. When I started my PhD program, my advisor/mentor was collaborating with a psychiatrist at MSK. I started as a research assistant on their project at MSK and never left. It worked out very well for me.
Q. What is the most important thing you’d like cancer center researchers and staff to know about you?
A. I am looking forward to working with all of them to continue to build the supportive oncology program.
Q. What do you like to do in your free time?
A. Free time? Hmmm … what’s that? I enjoy spending time with family and friends, exercising, sports, and listening to mysteries/crime dramas.
