With more than 27 years of experience in medicine, Richard Shults, PA-C, brings a calm, confident presence to his role as an Urgent Care Provider with Franciscan WorkingWell. For nearly three decades, he has dedicated his career to evaluating patients, diagnosing and treating illness and injury, and ensuring that every individual who walks through his door receives high-quality, compassionate care.

Richard’s journey into healthcare began early in life. Fascinated by medicine and the intricacies of the human body, he knew from a young age that he wanted to help others through clinical care. His education reflects that commitment to excellence. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences/Physician Assistant from Butler University and went on to complete a Master’s Degree in Physician Assistant Studies with an emphasis in Emergency Medicine from the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from East Tennessee State University, a foundation that strengthened both his clinical skill and bedside compassion.

Over the course of his career, Richard has developed deep experience in emergency and urgent care settings, where quick thinking and sound judgment are essential. Though he doesn’t consider himself an occupational health specialist by formal training, his extensive background in emergency departments and fast-track clinics naturally evolved into a strong familiarity with occupational injury care. Through years of practice, he has honed the ability to assess and treat work-related injuries efficiently while ensuring each patient receives appropriate follow-up and education.

Richard’s approach to care centers on active listening and collaboration. He believes that patients deserve to be heard and understood, and he takes time to involve them in every step of the treatment plan. By working together, he helps patients not only recover from illness or injury but also learn the best ways to stay healthy—whether that means proper body mechanics, at-home recovery strategies, or preventative steps to avoid reinjury.

His philosophy reflects the mission of Franciscan Health and WorkingWell: to provide personalized, patient-centered care that supports both the employee and the employer. Richard emphasizes that the goal is never to favor one over the other, but to ensure both parties achieve the same outcome—a safe, timely, and complete return to health and productivity. He takes pride in the trust employers place in the clinic and in the confidence patients feel knowing their well-being comes first.

One of Richard’s most memorable professional moments came early in his career, when a patient presented with vague and unusual symptoms that did not fit a clear diagnosis. By trusting his instincts and following a thorough workup, he discovered the true cause of her illness and ensured she received the urgent care she needed. The experience reaffirmed the importance of diligence, humility, and trusting both education and intuition in clinical decision-making.

At the heart of his work is a simple goal: to meet or exceed the standard of care for every patient encounter. Whether managing acute illness, treating injuries, or providing education, Richard measures success by the health outcomes and satisfaction of the individuals he serves. For him, medicine is not just a profession but a lifelong calling to serve others with integrity and compassion.

Outside the clinic, Richard finds joy in the outdoors and simple pleasures. He enjoys watching college football, taking trips back home to Gatlinburg, Tennessee, fishing, and bike riding. These activities, along with his deep faith and trust in his experience, keep him grounded and focused on what matters most—helping people live healthier, happier lives.

A proud member of the Franciscan WorkingWell team, Richard values being part of a growing clinic that is earning the trust of the community it serves. Hearing “thank you for being here” from patients reinforces why he chose this path nearly three decades ago: to care, to listen, and to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.