What began as a kindergarten drawing titled, “Dr. Hall and Son” has transitioned into a dream come true for one of Louisiana's best foot and ankle surgeons. It’s safe to say that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree and following in his father’s proverbial footsteps is what led Patrick Hall into studying medicine. Hall is admittedly very similar to his dad, O. Christian Hall, D.P.M.. They share the same interests, live in the same neighborhood, and his childhood desire to be like his father is how the two Halls eventually began working together at The Bone and Joint Clinic as Baton Rouge’s premier podiatrists. 

Why Podiatry?

Podiatry is a branch of medicine devoted to the study, diagnosis, and medical and surgical treatment of the foot and ankle. Why did this field peak the interest of Dr. Patrick Hall? Growing up with a lot of doctors, and being close to his father, Hall noticed early on his dad led a balanced and happy life and was involved with the activities of his children. Because the practice of podiatry doesn’t require the late nights or hospital time that other physicians experience, Dr. Patrick Hall witnessed first-hand, through his Dad, how personally and professionally rewarding a career in podiatry can be.

After graduating from Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, Hall received his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine (DPM) from Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Being board certified by the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS) Hall has enabled Dr. Hall the opportunity to work with a variety of people for many reasons. “My goal is to keep healthy and active people, healthy and active.”

As an avid runner, his career as a podiatrist allows him to blend what he does for a living with what he does for fun. The affinity for running must be hereditary as Dr. Hall's son has taken up cross country at his elementary school. Since the majority of running injuries involve the foot and ankle, Dr. Hall is regularly able to help runners get back on track. The opportunity to spend time with people that have a fixable quality of life issue is rewarding for Dr. Hall. Not every foot or ankle injury requires surgery. Some injuries subside by implementing a simple stretch or using the proper inserts.  For patients requiring surgery, Dr. Hall's motivation is in his restoring the ability for his patients to lead healthy lifestyles. It’s not uncommon to see people lose significant weight and inches after foot surgery. Improving the quality of life for his patients and seeing them leave his office feeling better than they did with they arrived is his favorite part of the job; that and working with his dad every day. 

Why Bone and Joint Clinic?

It was during his residency while leaving the library after working on a research paper that Hall’s phone rang. From the other end was an offer to join The Bone and Joint Clinic. While Hall had always envisioned himself working with his father, who at the time ran a private podiatry practice, he was intrigued by and accepted the offer. His father joined the clinic two years later. With a focus on service and quality, the virtues of the clinic align well with Hall’s. 

What is Changing in the Field of Podiatry?

The role that the internet is playing regarding information and communication is by far the most significant change occurring right now. Patients have more access to more information than ever before, and as a result, they are better informed. Often, a patient now has an idea of what their problem is before they step foot in Hall’s office; and a lot of the time they are right, or at least close. It is also changing the patient’s expectation for appointment scheduling. Catering to the patient’s schedule, offering them more convenience, is more important, and expected than ever before.

Running legend, Steve Prefontaine once said, “a race is a work of art that people can look at and be affected in as many ways as they're capable of understanding.” With a passion for running and a desire to improve a person’s quality of life, Dr. Patrick Hall’s perfect day is taking the frustration and confusion from his patients and turning it into understandable information that results in a successful treatment plan.