Gilbert was a lieutenant colonel in the United States Air Force and served as chief of the Health Services Management Division from 1998-2005. After his Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics and Masters of Science in Health Systems at Georgia Tech University in Atlanta, Georgia, Gilbert completed his Juris Doctor of Law at the University of Tulsa in 2007 and was called to the Bar in Oklahoma. Gilbert is engaged in family law and serves as the U.S.-based agent for immigration visa applications. Gilbert is a member of the Oklahoma Bar Association, the American Bar Association and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals.