Growing up in Lawrence, Dr. Dobbins participated in baseball, basketball, football, gymnastics and track. At Lawrence High School, he competed in football, track and gymnastics before continuing the latter sport at Kansas University.

After graduating from KU, Dobbins moved to Memphis where he completed a four year degree in Optometry.

Sports and fitness continue to play am important role in Dobbin's life to this day. He competes in participates in four to six triathlons a year that take him all over the globe to places such as Sweden, Germany and Canada.