Dr. Hughes attended the University of North Carolina, graduating summa cum laude. He received his medical degree and master's degree in public health from Duke University School of Medicine. Dr. Hughes spent five years in the U.S. Air Force. He completed additional training in thoracic surgery at Keesler Air Force Base. He also served as a general and thoracic surgeon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, completing two tours in Iraq. His practice encompasses the full range of general and thoracic surgery, including bariatric surgery.