Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley

Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon with advanced fellowship training in arthroscopy and sports medicine. She earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology from UCLA and discovered her path to medicine after an early career in the snowboarding industry and event planning. She went on to receive her medical degree from Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, followed by orthopaedic surgery residency at Virginia Commonwealth University. She completed her fellowship in minimally invasive sports and arthroscopic surgery at Orthopaedic Research of Virginia, where she gained specialized expertise in treating active patients across the lifespan.

Dr. Yen Shipley’s clinical approach is rooted in surgical precision, radical empathy, and whole-person performance care. In addition to her orthopaedic training, she has pursued advanced education in musculoskeletal ultrasound for both diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, as well as orthobiologic and regenerative medicine-including platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microfat (MFAT), and bone marrow aspirate therapies. Her patients benefit from this combined expertise, whether they are looking to avoid surgery, accelerate healing, or thrive through midlife and beyond.

Dr. Yen Shipley has served as team physician for athletes from the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Team, NCAA programs, high school leagues, and global events including the IAAF World Indoor Championships and Special Olympics. Today, she continues to lead a bold new model of orthopedic care-one that fuses clinical excellence with a deep respect for each patient’s goals, lifestyle, and autonomy.

Beyond the clinic, Dr. Yen Shipley is the co-founder of SpeakUp Ortho and the Portland Menopause Collective, a sought-after speaker and event emcee, and the host of The 6% with NancyMD podcast. To explore her work in advocacy, education, and leadership, visit NancyMD.com.

See Dr. Yen Shipley’s full CV here.

Why I started Form & Function
Orthopaedics

Watch Dr. Nancy Yen Shipley explain her purpose and passion behind starting
Form & Function Orthopaedics.

“I was able to move around more freely, I had less pain with short jogs and no lingering effects.”

“I had constant pain and inflammation with any strenuous activity and with some daily activities such as stairs, kneeling, squatting, etc. It interfered with everyday life. I was constantly taking NSAIDs, icing and had hyaluronic acid injections. The [PRP] procedure itself was relatively painless – some discomfort with the injection. The first 24-48 hours were painful but it quickly improved after that and I was normal in 7-8 days. [The PRP procedure] was absolutely worth it, though I am eager to see further improvements and how long it lasts.”

Heidi, age 43

“I’m 44 years old. 4 weeks ago I tore my calf muscle while skiing on Mt. Hood.”

“I could barely walk the first week after my injury. I had a trip planned to Park City just 4 weeks after my injury and I was intent on being able to ski (I had already purchased my epic pass). Dr. Shipley suggested a PRP/PPP injection in combination with physical therapy. Even one week ago I wasn’t sure it was possible, as I was still having difficulty with my regular exercises. Today I finished day 3 of skiing all over Park City resort, including off-piste and easy black diamonds.”

Carmel, age 44

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