Dr. Chad Marshall has deep roots in Fort Walton Beach. After moving here at six years old, he grew up watching his father establish the area’s first orthopedic practice — an early example of leadership, dedication, and service that would shape his own path in medicine.
Today, as an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon with Gulf Coast Facial & Oral Surgery and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center, Dr. Marshall balances planned procedures with unpredictable emergency cases, all while maintaining close coordination with patients and referring doctors. His work is grounded in discipline, mentorship, and a belief that growth comes from perseverance both inside and outside the operating room.
Are you a life-long local, if not, where are you from originally and how did you end up in the area?
My family is originally from coastal Mississippi. We moved to Fort Walton Beach when I was six years old, and my father began the first orthopedic practice in the area at that time.
What’s your current job title and where do you work?
Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon, Gulf Coast Facial & Oral Surgery and Fort Walton Beach Medical Center
What’s your morning routine?
Always an early start with coffee and the news
Describe what a typical workday looks like for you.
Not always predictable. Despite extensive planning, we work-in emergency visits for facial trauma, infections, and various other conditions daily. Additionally, we work to coordinate treatment plans with referring doctors and maintain communication with any patient needs throughout the workday.
What’s the first thing you do when you get to work (or start your workday)?
Greet the staff and review the day’s schedule and planned procedures.
What tools, apps, or gadgets can’t you live without?
Sticky notes and family. While not fancy, both are essential in keeping me focused on the most important things throughout each day.
Apple or Android?
Apple – they got me early and I can’t seem to “spit the hook.”
What’s your go-to coffee (or tea) order?
Black coffee with a touch of brown sugar
What’s your go-to lunch spot or work snack?
Whatever I can find in the breakroom
What’s one local business you love supporting?
I love our community. I am an enthusiastic supporter for positive, family-first growth in downtown FWB and along our beautiful waterways.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
I have been fortunate to have many great mentors, teachers and coaches throughout my life, including my mother and father. They have all impressed upon me that the best things in life rarely come easy. Embrace failures and disappointment. Growth and life satisfaction evolve from dedication and learning from our inevitable imperfections.
If you could give your 20-year-old self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Slow down and enjoy the ride. Often times, the simple and seemingly innocuous interactions or realizations throughout a day provide the most joy.
How do you unwind after a long day?
According to my wife, I have too many hobbies – but they allow me to disconnect. Outside of my children and family, I enjoy music, aviation, fishing and farming.
What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have two brothers, Kevin and Brian, one has special needs and the other is a rock star. Uniquely, they have both had a profound effect on my development, personality and approach to life.
What’s your favorite local event or tradition?
All Sports Association annual banquet. I firmly believe the lessons our youth receive from coaches and teachers through competition and organized athletics help to shape responsible and resilient adults. The mission of our All Sports Association celebrates this commitment and helps to foster the success of future generations within our community.
What’s inspiring you right now (book, podcast, person, hobby)?
It sounds cliché but I am inspired daily by my staff at work. I feel fortunate to be surrounded by individuals that share my unyielding commitment to selfless patient care, safety and health. I like to think that I am a reflection of them, as they are of me, and I am proud of the group I get to spend so much time with.
Early bird or night owl?
Early bird. I truly cherish the possibilities and promise afforded by each sunrise.
Most used emoji?
Thumbs up, for sure
Music while working — yes or no? (and if yes, what’s on your playlist?)
Absolutely, I have a playlist for every occasion, Alt Rock to Yacht Rock (of course some occasional Creed). I encourage my staff to choose the music throughout the office on certain mornings. I love new music mixes but always reserve the power of veto!
Favorite motivational quote?
Not so much a quote but a philosophy…We don’t study and practice to occasionally get something right, we do this so that we can’t get it wrong.
Standing desk or sitting? Mix?
I have to keep moving.
If you could give any advice for someone getting into the same field as you, what advice would you give?
In any field, I believe it is important to take the time to evaluate and experience, “a day in the life” of your desired profession. With YouTube and Instagram, often times views of the real world get distorted. I am unaware of any viable substitute for experience and determination. With specific regard to health care, if you are passionate about placing a patient’s desires and concerns first, you are off to a great start.
