Erik completed his undergraduate education at North Carolina State University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2007. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biological Sciences with a Minor in Business Management. Continuing his medical education, he attended the University of Iowa Physician Assistant studies program and graduated in 2017. After graduation, he served as the medical officer for a Marine Corps infantry battalion in the United States Navy.

As a board-certified physician assistant, Erik, holds a DEA and a North Carolina medical license. Additionally, he holds qualifications in BLS, ACLS, and ATLS.