Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, Dr. Birely graduated Magna Cum Laude from Duke University. He attended the University of Maryland Medical School, then completed his general surgery residency at Union Memorial Hospital in Baltimore. Dr. Birely completed his plasic and reconstructive surgery training at Johns Hopkins Hospital and University of Maryland. Dr. Birely is Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. He is a member of American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

Dr. Birely has had extensive research experience at universities including: Duke University, Department of Neurobiology; University of Maryland, SIDS Research Grant and Union Memorial Hospital, Curtis Hand Center.