Claire Nagel, PA smiling with long brown hair, wearing a black top and a stethoscope around her neck, standing against a beige brick wall.

Claire Nagel, PA

Claire serves as the primary clinical partner to Dr. Derman, blending advanced technical knowledge with a warm, personable approach. She is an integral part of the team, working side-by-side with Dr. Derman at each stage of the process — from initial evaluation and surgical assistance to post-operative care. Claire ensures that the patient experience is seamless, expert and compassionate.  

Growing up in Plano, Texas, Claire developed a firsthand understanding of the importance of mobility through years of competitive sports. This early exposure to the challenges of injury and recovery sparked a lifelong interest in orthopedic health and a desire to help others maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle. Claire earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Oklahoma before returning to the Dallas-Fort Worth area to complete her Master of Physician Assistant Studies at UNT Health in Fort Worth. She is excited about leveraging modern solutions to minimize recovery time and improve patient outcomes.

Outside of the clinic, Claire is an avid pickleball player and loves exploring the Downtown Dallas food scene in search of the city's best new restaurants. Most importantly, she values quality time spent with family, friends and her high-maintenance but adorable dog, Kimchi. 

Claire in the operating room, wearing a surgical gown, cap, mask, and gloves. She is assisting in a surgical procedure.
Close-up of Claire and her boyfriend smiling, dressed formally, in an indoor setting with wood paneling and artwork in the background.
Close-up of Claire and two female friends at a rally or event, with some wearing casual clothing and showing excitement or focus, and one person wearing a blue shirt with partially visible red, white, and blue text.
Claire performing a medical procedure on a mannequin. She is wearing dark scrubs and surrounding by others in a training environment.
A table filled with various Korean dishes, including bowls of rice, kimchi, dipping sauces, and multiple hot pots with stews and cooked meats.
A happy young man (Claire's boyfriend) in a tuxedo and a woman (Claire) in a black dress smiling and looking at each other outdoors near a stone fountain with lush greenery and a church in the background.
Close-up of Claire, her boyfriend, and two other friends in formal attire. They are smiling outside with greenery in the background.
Two women (Claire and her sister) and a young girl (Claire's niece) playing on the beach near the ocean, with all three smiling and having fun.
Close-up of Clair's dog, a fluffy, light brown puppy with big dark eyes and a black nose, wearing a light blue collar, indoors with a blurred background.
Assorted appetizers on a wooden serving board, including tomato slices, cream cheese with herbs, and various finger foods, with glasses of water and condiments in the background.
Claire in a white jersey and black shorts jumps to hit a volleyball in an indoor court, with other players and spectators in the background.
Close-up of Claire and her mother smiling at the beach. Claire is wearing a blue New York Yankees cap and sunglasses, and her mom is wearing a white Adidas cap and sunglasses, with beach grass and sand in the background.
Photo of Claire and two other young women smiling, at a crowded outdoor event with many people in the background, including some wearing red and others in casual clothing.
A woman (Claire) and man (her boyfriend) wearing sunglasses, smiling for the camera at a crowded outdoor event. The woman has her hand on the man's chest, and they are standing beside a large green leafy plant.
Claire playing in a volleyball match in high school. She is blue wearing a blue jersey and black shorts setting a volleyball during a game inside a gym.
Claire, a young woman wearing sunglasses and a leather jacket, sitting outside at a restaurant holding her fluffy, cute tan dog.
A happy puppy wearing a blue bandana with white circles, looking at the camera with its tongue out, near a yellow wall and a green object.
Claire and her father hugging on a beach, smiling at the camera. Waves and the ocean in the background during sunset.