He obtained a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Economics from Emory University. He obtained his medical degree from the University of South Alabama, College of Medicine. He completed a general surgery residency at the University of Kentucky and fellowship in colon and rectal surgery at Ochsner Health System, New Orleans. Dr. Rider is the recipient of numerous awards and holds several prestigious professional affiliations including: American College of Surgeons; Fellow, American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons; American Medical Association and the Louisiana State Medical Society. He has presented nationally and authored numerous peer-reviewed publications.