FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health Pediatric Orthopedics & Sports Medicine

The Face of Pediatric Sports Medicine
Kyle Pontiff, MD

From the time he was a young athlete, Dr. Kyle Pontiff knew he wanted a future that blended two passions: sports and medicine. Even his school projects as a child pointed him toward his career. That early interest only deepened during his pediatrics training, where he discovered just how many doctors’ visits stem from sports-related injuries and overuse in kids.

Although his medical training took him out of state, Dr. Pontiff always felt rooted in Louisiana. He grew up in Breaux Bridge, where one local doctor cared for the entire community. That model of close, personal connection shapes his understanding of what it means to serve families in Baton Rouge. At FMOL Health | Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health, he’s found the same spirit on a larger scale, with strong relationships, familiar faces and a sense of belonging that feels uniquely Louisiana.

As a father of two young boys, ages 9 and 3, Dr. Pontiff also understands the world of youth sports from the sidelines. His sons are still “sampling” different activities, soccer, gymnastics, martial arts and baseball, something he encourages all young athletes to do. He believes sports should be fun first, that kids should explore and discover what they enjoy, and that parents and children should share the same goals when it comes to play.

In his medical practice, growth across both the clinic and the community has created exciting momentum. Partnerships with schools, including LSU, and local organizations are helping young athletes receive more efficient, coordinated care. Inside the clinic, new resources are improving evaluation and treatment for musculoskeletal injuries such as strains, sprains, fractures and tears. He’s particularly energized about expanding a more comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to concussion care, an area he sees as essential for the region.

What matters most to Dr. Pontiff, though, isn’t a single professional milestone. It’s seeing a child return to the activities that bring them joy, moving from what may have felt like their worst day back to play, confidence and normalcy.

Looking ahead, Dr. Pontiff hopes to continue strengthening access to sports medicine for every child in Greater Baton Rouge and to build on the foundation of care already in place. His goal is simple but powerful: no child should miss out on something they love because of pain or injury.

Learn more at ololchildrens.org and follow @ololchildrens on social media.