After graduating from Duke University, he obtained his MD from Baylor College of Medicine in 1990. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Michigan in 1995 and continued his education at Vanderbilt University, finishing a fellowship in pediatric orthopedic surgery in 1996. He is a Fellow of the Scoliosis Research Society, Pediatric Orthopedic Society of North America, and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.