John Clayshulte,
PA-C

John Clayshulte’s journey into dermatology is rooted in both his New Mexico upbringing and his early-career dedication to hands-on care. Raised in the small farming community of Mesilla, New Mexico, John worked on his family’s farm—driving tractors, irrigating crops, and harvesting pecans. These early experiences taught him the values of hard work, responsibility, and community service.

After earning his undergraduate degree at New Mexico State University, John pursued physical therapy at the University of Texas at El Paso and practiced as a physical therapist for four years. But his desire to deepen his impact on health led him back to school: in 2014, he completed a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine, where he was honored as the outstanding scholar of his cohort.

John joined Vanguard Skin Specialists in 2024, drawn by a practice culture that values both medical excellence and community outreach. He specializes in diagnosing skin cancers and managing complex dermatologic conditions across Southern Colorado. Outside the clinic, John and his wife Natalie—high-school sweethearts—explore national parks, cook weekend BBQs, and entertain their two sons with outdoor adventures. With his roots in rural New Mexico and his heart in Colorado’s mountains, John blends compassionate care, practical experience, and a commitment to helping patients live skin-healthy lives.