Dr. Helmer received his undergraduate degree from the University of Texas and his doctorate from the University of Texas Medical Branch. He completed a medical internship, residency and fellowship in Hematology-Oncology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.

Following his medical training, Dr. Helmer Served in the United States Army Medical Corps with the rank of Major. Dr. Helmer has held faculty positions at the University of Texas Medical Branch; the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio; and Brooke Army Medical Center. Dr. Helmer is a published author and board certified in Internal Medicine and Hematology.

He is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Society of Hematology, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, and the Christian Medical Society. He is a fellow of the American College of Physicians and a member of the President’s Council, the University of Texas Medical Branch. Dr. Helmer is active in clinical research and a participant in peripheral stem cell transplantation. Dr. Helmer is in private practice with Southwest Regional Cancer Center in Austin and enjoys fishing, hunting, and medieval Christian and Renaissance literature. He is married and has three children.