A native of Cleveland, Ohio, he earned a bachelor of science degree from The Ohio State University graduating summa cum laude with distinction for research in human lipid biochemistry. He earned his medical degree from the Wright State University School of Medicine in Dayton, Ohio. From there he returned to Cleveland to serve an internship and residency in orthopedic surgery at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic Foundation. He stayed at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation for an additional year of fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine and surgery. During his 6 years as a physician at the Cleveland Clinic, he was involved in the care of athletes in all disciplines of sports at all levels including two local high schools and Baldwin-Wallace College. He also served as a physician for the Gravity Games, the Cleveland Browns, the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Cleveland Indians.