In 1998 he graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. He received his Master of Physician Assistant Studies Degree (MPAS) with concentration in Dermatology from the University of Nebraska. Prior to being trained in Dermatology, he worked in emergency medicine with the United States Army. Walt is a Lieutenant Colonel with the United States Air Force Reserve, who has served a tour of duty in Iraq.