Julio C. Ortiz, DPM, FACFAS

Dr. Ortiz, a distinguished podiatric surgeon, brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to his practice. Born in Havana, Cuba, he immigrated to Florida at the age of two with his family and grew up in Hialeah. His passion for sports medicine was sparked during his time at Miami Springs Senior High School after sustaining a knee injury. Choosing to forgo athletic scholarships for college wrestling, Dr. Ortiz pursued his calling in medicine, enrolling at Barry University—one of only two institutions at the time with a accredited Sports Medicine program.

Dr. Ortiz earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training with a minor in Biology. His growing interest in podiatric medicine led him to continue his studies at Barry University, where he graduated in the top 10% of his podiatry school class. During his final year, he served as a tutor and mentor, demonstrating his commitment to education and leadership.

His training included externship rotations at prestigious institutions such as Cambridge Health Alliance of Harvard University and Ft. Benning Hospital in Georgia, where he gained hands-on experience in the medical and surgical care of traumatic injuries for soldiers in Military Jump School. Dr. Ortiz completed his post-graduate surgical training at JFK Medical Center in Atlantis, Florida, where he served as Chief Resident from 2006 to 2007. He further honed his expertise through advanced courses in Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery, Diabetic Limb Salvage, Adult and Pediatric Flatfoot Correction, Deformity Correction, Ankle Arthroscopy, Sports Medicine, and Total Ankle Joint Replacement.

As one of the select few podiatric surgeons in South Florida trained in total ankle joint replacement, Dr. Ortiz is proficient in all current systems available on the U.S. market. He holds surgical privileges for these procedures at Bethesda Health Hospitals and JFK Medical Center.

Dr. Ortiz is an active member of the American, Florida, and Palm Beach County Podiatric Medical Associations.  As a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, he has contributed to the Community Education Committee, furthering the advancement of podiatric care.

Dedicated to education, Dr. Ortiz holds teaching positions at four podiatry schools, including Adjunct Clinical Professor at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine, Clinical Instructor at Western University of Health Sciences, and Clinical Professor at Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. He also serves as a teaching attending for two South Florida surgical residency programs.   Dr. Ortiz is the Residency Director for Bethesda Memorial Hospital’s three-year Reconstructive Foot & Ankle Surgery Residency Program. In this role, he provides surgical training, mentors podiatric students, and collaborates on clinical research for publication.

A sought-after speaker, Dr. Ortiz lectures locally and nationally and serves as a consultant for several orthopedic foot and ankle surgery instrument companies. He has also been a faculty member and clinical instructor for multiple surgical skills courses, helping fellow podiatrists enhance their expertise with cutting-edge techniques and instrumentation.

Dr. Ortiz is on staff and takes ER call at JFK Medical Center and Bethesda Health (East & West). While he is skilled in the latest surgical techniques for foot and ankle conditions, Dr. Ortiz prioritizes patient-centered care, exploring all conservative and non-surgical options before recommending surgery. At Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute, he and his team are committed to delivering the fastest and most effective recovery for every patient.