Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

Dr. Franson and all the physical therapists at this office provide the highest level of care. They helped me resolve a long-standing painful condition in my ankle that was limiting my activity. As others have noted, their office is extremely organized and well-run. If you have any kind of problem with your feet, this is the place to come for healing.

Dr. Briskin is the best! My various foot concerns lasted 1.5 years so I had the opportunity to see a lot of Dr. Briskin. He's an excellent surgeon and a lovely person. I'd recommend him to any friend or family member with a foot concern.

I had been to Dr. Yau before for a problem with my feet and he was wonderful.  I brought my 11 year old daughter in to see him today to have him look at a couple of her ingrown toe nails.  She needed to have a small procedure done to two toes so they hopefully won't come back.  Dr. Yay was great with her and explained everything he would be doing.  He kept asking her if anything he was doing hurt and if she was ok.  He was quick, compassionate and kept her at ease.  From the front office staff to the nurses everyone is very friendly.

I could not be more pleased with the care I received from Dr. Briskin and his staff.  I have complete confidence in Dr. Briskin and really appreciated his easy going manner.  I have ptsd and doing something as simple as going to the podiatrist can be difficult.   Here, I got friendly smiles and actually saw the doctor right on time.  And most importantly,  I received great care from Dr. Briskin!

Only five stars? Why can't I give more. Dr. Franson and Suzanne Hawson are the best. Both are totally down to earth and treat you like people, not just patients. They work together to ensure the best treatment and believe me you get results. I could not recommend a team higher than these two. What a difference they have made in quality of life for my family. We are blessed to have found them.

My toes are so happy, they're crying, "Tee-hee-hee all the way home", thanks to Dr. Gary Briskin.  He's perfect!  He solved a problem I've had for a long, long time.  For a few years, I've had to wear spongy "toe guards" and puffy tapes and so on, in between these 2 specific toes, because they were 'fighting for the same space" = rubbing against each other, creating very painful, red skin, blisters, callouses, etc.  I mean VERY painful--I couldn't make a single step at home or away -- with any shoes -- even barefoot -- without cringing.  The skin was so sensitive, I even had to wear the toe guard material in bed!  

Voila -- a few minutes with Dr. Briskin's friendly and patient examination, followed by a gentle and artful callous trimming -- and one simple bandage -- and I'm walking pain free. Day, night, every moment, wherever I go.  No toe guards, spongy separators, etc. Whatever I'll need in the future, He'll be my go-to expert. Thanks, Dr. Briskin.     -- "jubidee"

Very happy with entire staff.  They are efficient when booking the appointment to getting you into the office.  The staff in the office where awesome.  The nurse was amazing and very helpful. Took her time to explain things. The doctor made sure I understood what was wrong.  He showed me pictures to explain it and had a great demeanor.  They put me at ease and it was really nice

Very happy with the knowledge of Dr  Bob Baravarian.  After three surgeries by two different doctors he was able to relieve the pain and swelling.  The office and staff were always pleasant and very helpful.  I would highly recommend this office !

Dr. Morris is a cool dude. No bullshit. Helped me work through my issues in what made most sense to me financially and really worked to not make sure I got the best value for what I needed at the time.

I am in process with Dr. Baravarian now for a chronic ankle problem, and am completely delighted to be in his care.  Both he ~ and the rest of the staff ~ are professional, courteous, helpful, and clearly are very very good at what they do.

I had some PT done to my hip flexers.  I'm an avid runner and cyclist.  The staff is very knowledgable and knows athletes.  So if you're an athlete and need some repairs I highly suggest this staff.  Suzanne is an Iron (Wo)man and is very knowledgeable of our needs. I have visited Dr. Franson for a bunion and I was put into orthodics and it has helped.  I do not have pain in my food anymore.  It has stabilized the bunion.

Dr.  Franson ,  the nurses and front desk made everything so easy.  Wonderful doctor and support staff.  They returned phone calls quickly and we never felt rushed during appointments.  The surgery was explained thoroughly and every question was answered completely.  I would highly recommend this office to anyone with foot or ankle issues. We live an hour away so allowing for traffic we were usually early to our appointments.  They frequently got us in early so wait time was minimal.

I attended one of the UFAI seminars by Dr. Morris and realized that the
current treatment of my ankle injury from another foot & ankle doctor was
not adequate which prolonged the problem unnecessarily.  Dr. Morris took
the time to listen, diagnose, and answer many questions I had.  In
combination of his treatment, suitable ankle support, and physical therapy
sessions, which prescribed by Dr. Morris, I was able to heal quickly and
could do what I love to do; play badminton, garden and walk with my
husband.

Dr. Morris was great.  The whole staff was very responsive.  I came to this office, after having a bad experience with another podiatrist.  I live in Orange County, so every visit represents a long drive, but is 100% worth it.  I had the Tenex procedure done for Plantar Fascitis and I am recovering very well.  I work in the Health industry and did my due dilligence on this clinic.  This is the best clinic in Southern California.  Thank you Dr. Morris.

I had my first experience with this office earlier this week. Dr. Franson spent ample time with me and was very attentive to my concerns and questions. I especially appreciated his relaxed, but thorough way of dealing with patients.

The office is a model of efficiency.  Once called in, there was constantly someone looking after me...I was never left waiting for someone to return to my room.  5 stars and I'm really looking forward to continuing my treatment with Dr Franson and his talented, efficient team.

I had a bad break on my 5th metatarsol when I was out of state. I called Dr. Franson's office as soon as I came back home.  The office staff was great and got me right in.  Dr Franson was amazing and took great care of my break throughout the next few months.  He is always so pleasant and was very thorough and professional, explaining everything in a simple, understandable manner.  Any questions or concerns were patiently alleviated.  A few times I had to call the office back with questions and they always called me back with the answers from Dr. Franson, and a few times he himself called.  While on my scooter I often ran into other people with boots or scooters around town.  Every one I ran into had gone to Dr Franson and couldn't praise him enough.  We are so fortunate to have such a tremendous Dr in our community who really cares about his patients. Definately a 5 star rating for Dr. Franson and his staff!!

My wife and I went to play tennis  on a Wednesday morning and, within 10 minutes, I experienced the most excruciating pain in my right ankle!! Yes, I had TORN the achilles tendon!! OUCH!  I hobbled to the car and called Dr. Franson's office! They got me an appointment at 1:30 that same day. After examining my ankle, Dr. Franson arranged for an MRI later that afternoon (4:30) and got the results by 6pm. He called me to tell me he'd  need to do surgery on Friday. His office also arranged for me to get a pre-surgery exam on Thursday!  Talk about a ONE STOP SHOP!!!  Dr. Franson and his staff are absolutely amazing and leave nothing to chance! They also arranged for a knee scooter which has been my "best friend" the past few weeks!!
Thanks GOODNESS, Dr. Franson was available!!  If you're going to get injured- you NEED to go to the University Foot and Ankle Institute in Valencia!

I see Dr. Bob in Sherman Oaks. If it wasn't for him I really wouldn't be able to walk. I have bad arthritis in my ankles and feet. I have seen several doctors regarding my problems but NO ONE was able to help me or understand how to help me or have the knowledge of how to help me. Dr. Bob is intelligent, calm, and funny. He makes sure you understand what he's going to do before surgery and what's going to happen after surgery. If he see's you feel anxious or nervous he takes the time to calm you down. Bottom Line after he listens to you regarding your ailment and after thoroughly examining you he knows exactly what you need and what to do. If you gives you some cork lifts or a boot or something else it is for your health and he always knows exactly what he's doing. He's honest and very intelligent. He's an amazing surgeon my ankles are attached and I am able to walk. He's had to do numerous surgeries on my feet because of all my problems. I trust him and highly recommend him. I wouldn't go anywhere else.

I received great service from the staff, and the surgery was very convenient and professional . Dr Bob (Baravian) did an amazing job repairing my ankle. I am active, pain-free, and able to enjoy my shoe collection again ... Dr Bob has me in heels again, comfortably!

Remarkable staff, courteous, efficient and kind.  Dr. Bob has been wonderful in taking care of me for what up until now has been an ongoing chronic problem.  But we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel!

A few months ago, I visited Dr. Baravarian for a foot ailment that I had been suffering from for a few years. After a couple of misdiagnoses and painful cortisone and alcohol injections. He was able to tell me I had a torn plantar plate and ligament of my second toe. I had previously been diagnosed with a second toe neuroma. We decided together that the only course of treatment was surgery to repair everything. A day after surgery, I was no longer in pain and (5) five days later I was able to see a marked improvement in the look and function of my foot and toe.

Dr. Baravarian and his staff are warm, compassionate and professional. I am always able to get an appointment and I am seen in a timely manner. I have just recently referred Dr. Baravarian to friend, who has been suffering from painful ankles from years of playing sports. My friend had surgery to repair her ankle and told me she was very pleased with the outcome.

I believe that the quality of a professional office is determined on how many people are referred and receive great treatment.

Thank you, again! Dr. Bob....
Tory~

I had foot surgery here in November 2014 with Dr. Baravarian and as far as surgeries go, it was a pleasant experience. The staff is incredibly helpful and nice and Dr. Baravarian was great! I was given very thorough post-op recovery instructions and when I had questions, Dr. Baravarian would return my emails promptly. My physical therapy (with Gray) was also top notch and help my recovery tremendously. I would highly recommend this institute if you have any foot or ankle problems.

Smashed a toe pretty good and had a toenail going in the wrong way.

I called the doctors office. they took my California Care insurance no problem. Despite a very busy lobby, staff arranged to sneak me in between patient appointments. Doctor examined my issue within 20 minutes of doing paperwork, checked my toe and informed me how to take care of it.

I was very pleased with the service at this doctors office and the professional nature of the staff. The doctor was polite and clearly gave me the medical attention I needed.

Overall, it felt like a place where patients and their medical needs came first, not the hustle of the 21st-century medical industry.

Highest recommendation for the University medical team!

Thank you.

My feet have been killing me for the past two months and put off getting it checked out. I finally came to see Dr. Breskin and I regret nothing! My appointment time was mostly kept and he found the problem prettying right away. Dr Breskin is very easy to talk to and answers questions readily.
The only problem: the parking lot is tight. Get there early enough to park a block away and walk in or have someone drop you off.

Was lucky to be referred to Dr. Babak Baravarian in Oct.2010 by my " Podiatrician " cousin. She told me good words about him and his experience in foot and ankle surgeries although she is a podiatrician herself. I recieved bunion surgery and the results were phenomenal. He is attentive, caring and gentleman. Dr. Baravarian cares about his patients and does everything he can to help them. He is the best in his field and very up to date in new procedures. "Dr. Bob is amazing surgeon and anyone would be lucky to be his patient." A+ rating!

For all you TL;DR types out there, here is the soundbyte: Dr. Baravarian got rid of my chronic tendinitis when nothing else worked!

But if you want more info:

So I'd been suffering with a case of tendinitis in my foot for MONTHS, seriously, almost eight months and I was getting ready to give up hope that I'd ever be healthy and back to normal again. Tried PT with two different therapists, tried orthotics, tried resting, nothing worked. I started poking around the internet and read a couple of scholarly articles praising the benefits of platelet rich plasma for conditions like mine. Those articles lead me to University Foot and Ankle: Dr. Baravarian is a well-respected authority on this emerging field of medicine.

I ended up getting two PRP injections with him. Not going to lie, the injections hurt like an SOB, and Dr. B. recommended that I wear an airboot for a number of weeks, and that kind of sucked. Another thing I can't lie about: the PRP injections aren't cheap, but I was charged what I felt was a very reasonable rate, especially compared to what other clinics and doctors charged.

But the story has a happy ending: the treatments worked, and I'm back to running, hiking, gymming, all the active stuff I love.

Dr. Baravarian is also a compassionate and personable doctor. I never had any trouble getting an appointment, I was always seen promptly and never had to loiter in the waiting room, and his staff were accommodating and helpful. Overall, a terrific experience.

I'm an R.A patient and I was 24 yrs old when I was diagnosed so I developed feet deformities due to my illness. the joint damage was so severe that I could no longer wear normal  shoes all I was able to wear was a lousy pair of stretchy sandals and the pain was unbearable,I hated to walk.I found Dr.Baravarian in the internet and made an appointment a few weeks later.

After Dr.Baravarian examined  my feet he explained to me that because I  waited so long to have this problem fixed,he had to perform bone fusion and remove some severally damage joints.

 I had enough with this problem so I decided to go for it .
He   performed surgery on both my feet, one at a time.I do have to say the healing process was a little lengthily but it's one of the best decisions I have ever made.I'm just thrilled with the great results .

Thanks to Dr.Baravarian (one of the best doctors I have encountered,not  to mention a good and compassionate human being ) and his great staff I can walk pain free and  finally wear cute shoes again.

Thanks a million!

I was in misery before I found Dr. Bavarian and now, I am SO PLEASED. He diagnosed my tendonitis problem and came up with a solution the first visit. I am now healing quickly wearing a foot brace, insoles and lifts. He also prescribed physical therapy at Vargo, which is working like a charm. I felt better just days after seeing Dr. Bavarian than I had in the months prior wearing a walking boot prescribed by 2 previous Doctors. I am only sorry I didn't go see Dr. Bavarian before wasting my time listening to other Doctors who didn't know what they were doing. I will recommend him to anyone that has chronic tendonitis or other foot and ankle issues.
*His staff is also very friendly and professional...always a plus.

I visited Dr. Baravarian based on my primary doctors recommendation.   My primary said he is the best in the business for my situation.  I ruptured my Achilles Tendon on October 6th and had surgery by Dr. "Bob" on October 11th.  So far so good, had the staples out on Oct 28.  So looking to having my cast off in mid November and moving to what I call the Robocop boot.   The staff has been great and appointments are easy and they pretty much run on time.  Dr. Bob and his team have a good bed side manner.  They tell me the full recovery is 4-6 months so I will have more to say over time.   Based on my experience so far, I would recommend Dr.  Bob.  My only suggestion would be that the office/doctors should give you some literature explaining the protocol for your recovery.  (e.g. how long in a cast, when you can start slow walking, exercising, physical therapy, etc.).  I'm a very detailed person so I like to understand every step in the process.