Dr. Vagner was raised and went to high school in San Antonio, Texas. After high school, Dr. Vagner attended Baylor University where he was a History/Pre-med major. Dr. Vagner received many accolades and awards at Baylor Univeristy, but his proudest accomplishment in college was meeting his wife, Staci.

Dr. Vagner then attended Baylor College of Medicine, in Houston, Texas where he excelled and was near the top of his class. Dr. Vagner graduated from Baylor College of Medicine in 1997 and then began his residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at the same institution. While in residency, Dr. Vagner was well trained in all aspects of general orthopaedic surgery. He also earned the respect and admiration of his faculty by being awarded The Bronze Hammer, an award given by the faculty to the outstanding resident of that year.

Dr. Vagner received further training in hand, microvascular, and upper extremity surgery during a fellowship at the University of Utah affiliated hospitals in Salt Lake City. As a fellow, he gained valuable experience treating simple and complex disorders of the upper extremity, including endoscopic carpal tunnel release, congenital and pediatric hand surgery, complex reconstruction and joint replacement, rheumatic disease of the hand and wrist, athletic injuries of the hand, wrist and elbow, and complex traumatic injuries to the upper extremity.

In his career, Dr. Vagner has published a number of papers and lectured at local, regional and national meetings on a wide variety of orthopaedic and upper extremity topics. Dr. Vagner is Board Certified.

Dr. Vagner lives in northwest Austin with his wife Staci, his daughter Meredith and son Matthew. In his spare time, Dr. Vagner enjoys running, skiing, Mexican food and spending time with friends and family.

Dr. Vagner has been appointed as a Clinical Assistant Professor for the Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, University of Texas Medical Branch.