Dr. Rawles is a native of Richmond, Virginia. He earned both a Master's Degree in biochemistry and a Doctor of Medicine degree at the Medical College of Virginia. He did both his internship and residency at the University of Rochester Medical Center, after which he completed a three-year fellowship in gastroenterology at Johns Hopkins University Medical Center.

Dr. Rawles entered practice in Virginia Beach in 1987. He has served as President of the Medical Staff of Sentara Virginia Beach General Hospital. Dr. Rawles and his wife, Robin, have four sons. His leisure activities include fishing, hunting, and sailing.