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Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge
Bone & Joint Faculty • January 16, 2024
Dr. David M. Pope Recognized as Catholic High's 2024 Distinguished Graduate

Catholic High School has recently honored Dr. David M. Pope, an alumnus of the class of 1985, with the title of 2024 Distinguished Graduate. This accolade highlights Dr. Pope's commitment to his profession and the Catholic High community, reflecting his significant achievements in orthopedic surgery and his longstanding involvement with Catholic High Football.


From Curiosity to Career

Unlike many in the medical field, Dr. Pope didn't have a family history in medicine to guide him. He had to draw inspiration from other sources. His defining moment came not in a classroom or a laboratory but in his living room, watching a classic 1970s NFL game with his father. The intense rivalry between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys, known for their fierce gridiron battles, was momentarily interrupted by an injury timeout. A doctor quickly appeared on the field to attend to the injured player. This scene captivated young David. Sitting next to his father, watching the doctor in action, he realized his future lay in combining his love for sports with medicine. This moment was the spark that ignited his interest in becoming a doctor, setting him on his path toward orthopedic surgery.


Two Decades on the Sidelines at Catholic High

For more than two decades, Dr. Pope has been a staple on the sidelines under the Friday Night Lights at Catholic High football games. He describes this experience as "fun," a word that encapsulates the joy and fulfillment he finds in this role. It's not just about providing medical care; it's about being part of the growth journey of young athletes. Dr. Pope values the opportunity to watch these students develop over the years, playing a small yet significant role in their journey toward success, both in sports and life. This sideline experience is more than a duty; it's a privilege that allows him to witness firsthand the transformative years of these young athletes.


An Unexpected Honor

When Catholic High named Dr. Pope as the Distinguished Graduate of 2024, he was both surprised and deeply humbled. Aware of the many qualified alums who have passed through the school's halls, Dr. Pope feels that being selected for this honor is a testament to his impact. He understands that there are numerous deserving individuals, which makes this acknowledgment even more meaningful for him. Dr. Pope views this honor as the crowning achievement of his career. This significant milestone celebrates his professional success and his personal connection and contribution to Catholic High.


Advice for Aspiring Medical Professionals

Dr. Pope believes there is no greater reward than giving back to your fellow man, emphasizing that the medical field should be seen as a vocation, not just a job. To him, the journey of becoming a doctor is filled with opportunities to make a real difference in people's lives, a path that is as rewarding as it is challenging. He encourages students to pursue medicine with a sense of purpose and passion, reminding them that the satisfaction of helping others and contributing positively to the community is the true reward of this profession.


Future Aspirations

Looking forward, Dr. Pope aims to continue his work in orthopedics and remain involved with Catholic High, hoping to inspire future generations in medicine.


Dr. David Pope's story is one of commitment and service, both as a medical professional and as a member of the Catholic High community. His recognition as the 2024 Distinguished Graduate is well-deserved, celebrating his contributions and his impact as an alumnus of Catholic High School.

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The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

The Signs and Symptoms of a Torn Meniscus

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • February 11, 2025
Damage to the meniscus, which serves as a cushion between the thigh and shin bones, can cause severe pain and impair movement.
Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

Understanding the Most Common Types of Arthritis and Managing It at Different Life Stages

By The Bone & Joint Clinic Staff • January 31, 2025
While it is often associated with aging, arthritis can affect individuals at any stage of life. Understanding the different types of arthritis and how to manage them at various life stages is key to maintaining a high quality of life.

Bone & Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge Physician Practice Transition – Effective April 1, 2025

By Bone and Joint Clinic Staff • January 30, 2025
BATON ROUGE, LA, January 30, 2025 – Effective April 1, 2025, four distinguished orthopedic surgeons from The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will transition to Baton Rouge Orthopedic Clinic (BROC), continuing their commitment to providing high-quality orthopedic care. The physicians joining BROC are: 1. Joseph "Jeb" Broyles, MD – Specializes in joint replacement surgery, knee arthroscopy, and cartilage regeneration. 2. Arthur "Art" Hess, MD – Specializes in trauma, hip, knee, and shoulder reconstruction, and total joint replacement surgery. 3. Mat hew "Matt" Mazoch, M D – Specializes in shoulder and knee surgery. 4. Alan Schroeder, MD – Specializes in sports medicine and shoulder surgery. Beginning April 1, 2025, these physicians will operate under BROC's umbrella while continuing to see patients at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge's current location, 7301 Hennessy Blvd. Eventually, the doctors plan to transition to BROC's campus on Bluebonnet Blvd. The estimated timeline for that move is Summer/Fall 2025. In addition, Dr. Patrick Hall will be transitioning to his own practice, Hall Podiatry, that will continue to provide quality podiatric care to patients. Dr. Hall will continue to practice at 7301 Hennessy Blvd. until May/June 2025. After that date, patients may see him at a new nearby location. Dr. Zachary Rohr and Christopher Belleau will also transition their practice to a new location effective March 31, 2025. We will update our patients once those details are finalized. Dr. Gerard Murtagh of The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will be retiring effective March 2025. Dr. Murtagh has been a vital part of the clinic since 1988 and has significantly contributed to its success. We thank Dr. Murtagh for his many years of service to the patients of Bone & Joint Clinic. Patients are encouraged to continue scheduling appointments at The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge using the current process for the foreseeable future. To ensure a seamless transition, The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge will provide detailed information to patients in the coming weeks, including the secure transfer of medical records and continuity of care. The health and well-being of patients remain the top priority, and The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge, BROC, and Hall Podiatry are working together to make this transition as smooth as possible while maintaining uninterrupted care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, patients can contact The Bone and Joint Clinic of Baton Rouge at 225-766-0050 or by visiting bjcbr.com . Patients can also reach BROC at 225-924-2424 or by visiting brortho.com .
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