03/20/2026
Doctor Ornstein was a one-of-a-kind leader and mentor to the profession of Podiatric Medicine. He was a graduate of Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, class of 1987, and he completed his postgraduate training under the tutelage of Eric Hubbard, DPM. While a student, he held the role of American Podiatric Medical Students Association delegate. Later on, he assumed a leadership role in the development of the American Podiatric Medical Postgraduate Association (APMPA), at a time when postgraduate training had no guardrails.
As a strong advocate of practicing physicians, Dr. Ornstein dove into the depths of the then-struggling American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management. Over tireless years, hundreds of lectures, and meetings across this country (not to mention our neighbor to the north), he shared the beauty of his profession with enthusiasm and relentless energy. His mentorship activities have helped hundreds of students and young doctors over the years.
Private practice was his “yellow brick road.” For those who knew of his love for the Wizard of Oz, this comes as no surprise. Patients were dazzled by his personality and compassion. In his hometown of Howell, everyone knew his reputation for offering support, both monetarily and physically, to members of his community.
The New Jersey Podiatric Physicians and Surgeons Group was his dream child: a true ‘super-group’, where those involved were not only members, but brothers and sisters joined together through a fellowship. It was perhaps one of the first groups in the country to discuss ‘clinical protocols.’ This organization has led the way and acted as a forefront for many other group practices.
Although Doctor Ornstein stepped back from patient care some time ago, his guiding philosophy of warmth and clinical excellence remains the cornerstone of all we do. Our office remains fully open, and our dedicated team is actively treating patients. As we work hard to help others, we keep Hal in our hearts. In this way, he will always be here with us.
In keeping with Hal’s faith and belief, a private internment will take place with family. A celebration of his life will take place in the upcoming weeks, with an announcement prior.
Please keep Hal’s family in your thoughts in the ensuing days.
