Co-worker at LDS Hospital remembers day President Russell M. Nelson was called as an apostle

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Pamela Atkinson recalls President Nelson's transition from surgeon to Apostle in 1984.

Initially upset by his departure, Atkinson now knows Nelson was divinely called, respecting his unique contributions.

SALT LAKE CITY — There are few who remember The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' President Russell M. Nelson as "Dr. Nelson."

President Nelson worked at the LDS Hospital as a heart surgeon before his call to the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles in 1984.

Pamela Atkinson will always remember her first impression of Nelson while he worked as a doctor.

"When I first met him, I thought, 'My goodness, he's such a gentleman,'" Atkinson said.

Atkinson worked as an assistant administrator at the LDS Hospital. She knew Nelson as one who took his work seriously.

"He no