Nicolas completed undergraduate work at the University of Portland, worked in the PNW in EMS and flight medicine before completing his graduate work at Maryville University. His clinical work has been focused around critical care, trauma, and education of residents and learners in the clinical environment. His research and presentations are focused on resuscitation, expanding APP practice models, and transforming medical education. He writes for several mountain bike media outlets, back country skis, and rafts with his family in his off time.