“What drew me to Optim Orthopedics was the overall sense of camaraderie,” he said. “Here we’re truly helping people and I get immense gratification from that.”

Providing a broad spectrum of foot and ankle care which includes sports injuries, foot and ankle trauma, and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Jaakkola has been winner and runner up for best foot and ankle doctor by Savannah Magazine and voted for a Castle Connelly Top Doctors. He also has experience with advanced procedures such as total ankle arthroplasty, arthroscopy techniques, percutaneous bunion surgery and cartilage repair.

Although Dr. Jaakkola is originally from Finland, he grew up in Florida and attended Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He received his medical degree from Medical College of Georgia with Honors. Before moving to Savannah in 2001, he completed a prestigious foot and ankle fellowship with Dr. Roger Mann. He has written a book chapter, had multiple publications in peer reviewed journals and presentations at orthopedic meetings.

Dr. Jaakkola and his wife, Holley, reside in Savannah with their two daughters. They are actively involved in the Savannah community including the Historic Savannah Foundation, Bethesda Academy, the Historic Savannah Foundation and the Caretta Research Project. Dr. Jaakkola is a sports enthusiast and avid fisherman.