Dr. Joseph Polio was born in Louisville, Kentucky. He attended Centre College where he received a bachelor of science in biochemistry, graduating cum laude. Dr. Polio earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. He completed his residency at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine Department of Orthopaedics.

Dr. Polio is a diplomate of the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He is a noted speaker who has presented lectures on topics from surgical techniques and arthritis to keynote addresses at commencement ceremonies.