Certified in anatomic and clinical pathology, and hematopathology, Dr. Shields received his medical degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in anatomic and clinical pathology, as well as a fellowship in hematopathology  at Mayo Graduate School of Medicine in Rochester, MN.  

Dr. Shields held several positions at the Walter Reed Army Medical Center from 1994 to 1998 including Lymphoma Board Pathology Coordinator and Chief of Clinical Pathology.  He is a member of the American Pathology Foundation, the College of American Pathologists, and the Florida Society of Pathologists.