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Dr. Christopher Bookout Joins NFBJS
Posted on 03-20-2026 in Orthopaedic Surgery by Dr. Christopher Bookout
On March 17, North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists (NFBJS) will expand once again by welcoming Dr. Christopher Bookout to the practice. An experienced, board-certified Orthopaedic Surgeon, Dr. Bookout has practiced in the Pensacola area for nearly three decades. He treats a wide range of musculoskeletal problems, including sports injuries, arthritis, fractures and overuse injuries. He uses the latest nonoperative and operative techniques, including minimally invasive knee and shoulder arthroscopy. He also performs knee and shoulder replacements.
“We are incredibly excited to announce the addition of Dr. Chris Bookout and Jeanine Hellwig, APRN, to the North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists team. Dr. Bookout brings years of surgical and non-surgical orthopaedic expertise, and Jeanine offers a wealth of advanced practitioner experience in the musculoskeletal space. Both providers are deeply committed to delivering compassionate, patient-centered care to our communities, and their dedication to excellence and passion for improving lives align perfectly with the mission of our practice. Together, they will strengthen our commitment to serving the North Florida community through innovative care and accessible excellence,” said NFBJS Executive Director Carroll Papajohn.
A graduate of the University of Michigan with a B.S. in Chemistry, Dr. Bookout went on to earn his M.D. from Wayne State University in 1990. He also served our nation proudly in the US Navy, where he spent two years as a US Naval Flight Surgeon for Oceanographic Development Squadron Eight. His tenure in the armed forces then brought him to Northwest Florida as a staff Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Pensacola Naval Hospital, where he also served for two years before going into private practice.
Outside of the office, Dr. Bookout has traveled extensively to Europe and Canada with USA Hockey as the Team Physician. Locally, he has been a Team Physician for the Santa Rosa County School District since 1999 and currently serves in that role for Milton and Pace High Schools. He is also an invited speaker at national and local conferences, has published several scientific papers, and offers media commentary on orthopedic-related issues.
Dr. Bookout is known for drawing from his own experience to connect with his patients who live active lifestyles. As an avid runner and golfer, his goal is to provide treatment options that help his patients safely return to the activities they enjoy most. To learn more about his background and experience, visit Dr. Bookout’s Physician page or complete an online appointment request to book your visit. He is accepting new patients and will see existing patients beginning March 15 as a North Florida Bone and Joint Specialists provider.
Check out some of our related posts:
Why Ankle Injuries Keep Coming Back & How to Break the Cycle
If you’ve ever sprained your ankle and thought, “this isn’t a big deal…it’s a minor injury,” you’re not alone. Ankle sprains are among the most common musculoskeletal injuries, especially in active adults and athletes. However, for some patients, what begins as a simple sprain becomes a frustrating cycle in which the ankle feels weak, unstable, and prone to “rolling” again and again. Understanding why this happens is the first step toward breaking the cycle and restoring long-term stability.
Heart Health & Strong Bones
February is American Heart Month, a time to raise awareness about cardiovascular health and its far-reaching effects. While most people recognize the importance of heart health for longevity and disease prevention, fewer realize its critical role in musculoskeletal well-being. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, we emphasize a comprehensive approach to orthopaedic care, recognizing that a strong heart supports strong bones and joints.
Youth Baseball & Softball Overuse Injuries: What Every Parent Should Know
Across Northwest Florida, youth baseball and softball seasons are now in full swing. Practices, games, and tournaments are filling the calendar, and young athletes are spending more time on the field each week. While the excitement of competition is one of the highlights of the season, this is also the time when our practice begins to see an increase in overuse injuries among young players. Recognizing the early warning signs can help parents address small problems before they become more serious injuries that sideline athletes for the rest of the season.