Graduated from University of Nevada in Reno in 1972, and post-graduate from Kirkville College of Osteopathic Medicine from 1972-1976. He had an internship at Tripler Army Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawaii from 1976-1977. His surgical residency was at Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. from 1977-1981. He also served as Chief of General Surgery at the 130th Station Hospital in Heidleberg, West Germany from 1981-1983. Dr Carter served as Department of Surgery Chairman at the Medical Center of Arlington from 1997-2004 and has had a solo general surgery practice in Arlington, Texas from 1983-2005.

His certifications are: American Board Osteopathic Surgery in 1984 and recertified in 1996. A diplomate of the National Board for Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons. His medical societies are AOA, ACOS, Texas Medical Association, and Tarrant County Medical Society. Dr. Carter is also a member of the American Society or Bariatric Surgery and the Texas Association of Bariatric Surgery.

Dr. Carter has been doing the Lap Band procedure since August of 2002 and has performed over 2700 surgeries to date. He is recognized as one of the most experienced and talented Lap Band surgeons in the United States.