Dr. Waddell earned his medical degree from the University of Alabama Medical College and was a resident in psychiatry and a fellow in child/adolescent psychiatry at North Carolina Memorial Hospital (UNC), in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. He is board certified in general psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry.

He runs a private psychiatric practice for adults, adolescents, and children. He has made numerous public appearances and presentations pertaining to the field of psychiatry. 

He played for and managed traveling and local soccer teams for 14 years. These days, Dr. Waddell bikes and goes on walks with his two golden retrievers, one of whom can hold four tennis balls in its mouth -- at the same time. Dr. Waddell is known by his co-workers for a wonderful sense of humor and a contagious laugh.