Derek Shelton DNP, APRN-BC
Dr. Derek Shelton, DNP, ANP-BC
Clinical Operations Officer | Entrepreneur | Creator
Dr. Derek Shelton is a board-certified Adult Nurse Practitioner and the Clinical Operations Officer for Orthopedic Associates in Evansville, Indiana. With more than two decades of experience in nursing and advanced practice leadership, he has played a pivotal role in building one of the region’s most successful orthopedic surgery programs—developing clinical structures, optimizing workflows, and leading multidisciplinary teams to deliver exceptional patient outcomes.
A graduate of the University of Southern Indiana with a Bachelor’s in Health Services Administration and a Master’s in Nursing, Dr. Shelton went on to earn his Doctor of Nursing Practice from Murray State University. His early career focused on trauma and joint replacement, but his passion for performance, recovery, and optimization led him to expand into functional medicine and human performance science.
Dr. Shelton also founded Optimize U Evansville, a premier health and recovery clinic offering hormone optimization, peptide therapy, cryotherapy, PNOE metabolic analytics, IV hydration, and advanced recovery modalities. His entrepreneurial vision extends further through Ohio River Muscle Company, a lifestyle and performance brand, and Offscript Studios, a creative production company developing podcasts, film projects, and multimedia storytelling.
Recognized for his innovation, authenticity, and community leadership, Dr. Shelton bridges medicine, athletics, and creative media, driving a mission to help others become their best versions.
• Murray State University - Doctor of Nurse Practice
• University of Southern Indiana - Master of Business Administration - MBA, Health/Health Care Administration/Management
• University of Southern Indiana - Master's degree, Nurse Practitioner
• DNP
• APRN-BC
• Mindfulness Teacher Certification
• ANCC
• ACHE
• AAAM
Areas of Specialization/Expertise
- Nurse practitioner
- Cardiac
- Orthopedics
- Hormone replacement and wellness
What do you enjoy most about practicing medicine?
What I enjoy most about my professional life is the ability to blend leadership, medicine, and innovation to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Whether improving patient outcomes in orthopaedics, helping someone restore their health and confidence through optimization and recovery services, or mentoring my team toward personal and professional growth — I find purpose in building systems and experiences that truly help others perform at their best. I also love the creative side of my work — developing new brands, projects, and ideas that connect health, human potential, and storytelling in meaningful ways.