HOWELL — Dr. Hal Ornstein, a well-known Howell podiatrist, educator and community leader whose influence stretched across medicine, business and civic life, has died. He was 66.
Ornstein was a managing partner at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center in Howell and the founder of the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons Group. He also served as president of the Howell Chamber of Commerce and was widely recognized for his work supporting both the podiatry profession and the local community.
News of his death brought tributes from fellow physicians, chamber members and residents who described him as a gifted mentor, a tireless advocate and a larger-than-life presence.
In a statement issued on behalf of the NJPPSG family, Pete Paicos Jr., DPM, said Ornstein’s passing was being felt deeply throughout the profession.
A graduate of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine’s class of 1987, Ornstein went on to complete postgraduate training under Eric Hubbard, DPM. Even early in his career, he took on leadership roles that helped shape the direction of podiatric education and residency training.
During his student years, he served as an APMSA delegate and later played a role in forming the American Podiatric Medical Postgraduate Association at a time when postgraduate training pathways were still developing. That effort later became part of the American Podiatric Medical Association’s Residents & Young Physicians program.
Ornstein also became a prominent voice for practicing physicians through his work with the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management. Over the years, he traveled extensively, speaking at hundreds of events across the United States and Canada and offering guidance to students, residents and young doctors entering the field.
Those close to him said he brought the same enthusiasm to patient care that he brought to leadership and teaching. Known for his fondness for The Wizard of Oz, Ornstein often linked that passion to his belief in private practice, which friends said he viewed as his own version of the Yellow Brick Road.
Outside of medicine, Ornstein was a familiar and generous presence in Howell, where he supported community causes with both his time and financial contributions. His work with the chamber further strengthened his reputation as a key figure in the local business community.
The physician group he founded, the New Jersey Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons Group, was considered one of his signature accomplishments. Colleagues said the organization was built as a collaborative model that emphasized fellowship, shared standards and coordinated care, helping set an example for similar practice groups.
During his career, Ornstein received many honors, including induction into the PM Podiatry Hall of Fame and PM’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
A private interment will be held with family in accordance with his faith and wishes. A public celebration of his life is planned for the coming weeks, with details expected to be announced later.
He is being remembered as a physician, mentor and community supporter whose legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.
Micromedia Publications is sad to learn of Ornstein’s death. He had been a longtime advertiser in our Howell Times and Jackson Times newspapers.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family at this time.
