A lifelong commitment to care: Colby Shelton's journey from Army medic to healthcare professional

Colby Shelton served in the U.S. Army from 2003 to 2012, beginning his career as a Combat Medic at Fort Campbell. His military experience, which also included time in Germany and Fort Leonard Wood, taught him discipline, teamwork and a strong work ethic, qualities that continue to shape his civilian career.

After leaving the Army, Colby used his G.I. Bill to become a Radiologic Technologist. He credits his military background with helping him multitask and adapt to diverse work environments. “Veterans are used to working in high-pressure, team-oriented settings,” he says. “That’s helped me succeed in healthcare.”

Now working in the civilian healthcare sector, Colby is driven by a simple but powerful goal: to help as many people as he can. He’s passionate about learning new equipment and techniques to improve patient care and is committed to staying at the forefront of medical advancements. “I want to provide top-of-the-line care, ensure all patients’ needs are met and help research new treatments,” he says. “Partnering with those on base to train medical professionals is another way I hope to contribute.”

Colby is enthusiastic about the impact of the new proposed TriStar Clarksville Hospital. “Fort Campbell is primarily focused on treating active-duty soldiers and doesn’t have the capacity for long-term or specialized care, like cancer treatment,” he noted. “This new facility will ease the burden on veterans and military families, offering more resources and job opportunities.”

Colby also praises HCA Healthcare for its support of veterans. “They’ve gone out of their way to honor our service. I’ve felt more appreciated here than anywhere else since leaving the Army.”