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Dr. Christopher Bookout Joins NFBJS
Posted on 10-29-2025 in Orthopaedic Surgery by Dr. Christopher Bookout

Posted on 10-29-2025 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.

We see our share of broken bones as an orthopaedic and sports medicine practice. From the high school baseball player who collided with first base a little too hard to the avid DIY’er who took a tumble from an unsecured ladder and everything in between, we’ve seen it all. As we age, we also gradually lose bone mass, which occurs as small amounts of healthy bone are absorbed into your body as small amounts are replaced. When more bone is absorbed than is replaced, the density (bone mass) is reduced. Osteoporosis develops when the bone is no longer replaced as quickly as it is removed, and over time, it causes the bone to become progressively weaker, increasing the risk that it may break.

October is Medical Ultrasound Awareness Month, a time to highlight how this technology is reshaping sports medicine. At North Florida Bone & Joint Specialists, musculoskeletal ultrasound plays a vital role in the timely diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries, helping patients receive precise, efficient care without delay.

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.