Originally from California, Dr. Butler attended Northwestern University, from which he obtained a double major in Biological Sciences and Economics, the latter of which he graduated with honors. While at Northwestern, he was a member of the Rowing Team and became Captain of the team in his senior year. He then attended the University of Maryland – School of Medicine, where he was elected to the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honor Society. After deciding to pursue a career in orthopaedics, he continued his training in Baltimore at the University of Maryland Medical Center and R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center. During his residency, he was involved in research, education, lectures, and was selected by the faculty and his co-residents to be the Academic Chief Resident in his final year of residency.