Meet the Staff at Coastal Carolina Podiatry

Hal Hatchett was born and raised in the South Carolina Lowcountry and graduated from the United States Military Academy, West Point, in 1989. After being commissioned in the infantry, he attended the infantry officer basic course, airborne school, and the ranger school. He was assigned as a platoon leader with the 24th Infantry Division during operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm from 1990-1991. Upon returning to the US, he served in a number of roles including Company executive officer and Battalion adjutant. Upon discharge, he attended the College of Charleston and then matriculated at the College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in Des Moines. While a student, he wrote the university honor code and served as the president of the student body. Upon graduation, he completed a three-year surgical residency at the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh. He has remained active at Des Moines University serving on the university board of trustees since 2005 and has served as a committee chairperson. An active triathlete he started a Kids triathlon in Summerville SC that is now an annual event. He is in practice with Coastal Carolina Podiatry in Summerville and is a member of the medical staff at Trident regional medical center and Summerville medical center.

Dr. Speciale has been in practice since 2004. He received his undergraduate degree from Purdue University in 1996, where he played Big Ten football. He received his Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Des Moines University, College of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery in 2001.

Ed Blitch was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. He attended the College of Charleston and the Medical University of South Carolina. He was an Instructor in the Department of Cytotechnology for 2 years prior to attending medical school at Barry University School of Podiatric Medicine in Miami, Florida. Following matriculation, Ed completed a three year foot and ankle surgical residency at The Podiatry Hospital of Pittsburgh and the Western Pennsylvania Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He served on task forces and committees for the College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons over many years and in 2014 was awarded the College’s highest individual honor, the Distinguished Service Award. When not working, Ed is an avid birder and naturalist. He is a Certified, Coastal Master Naturalist and an active volunteer and trip leader for the Charleston Audubon Society. Ed is married to his wife Marcy and has 2 daughters, Katie of Summerville SC and Emma of St. Paul MN.

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