A member of the medical staff since 1993, Dr. Nickeson in recent years has been the principal investigator for several clinical trials addressing therapy, management and surveillance, and molecular classification of juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. In 2009 he completed terms of service as chairman of the Gulf Coast Regional Board and member of the Board of Directors of the Florida Chapter of the Arthritis Foundation. Previously he received the Distinguished Service Award and Community Leader of the Year Award from the Gulf Coast region.