Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

I recommend without reservation the incredible team at University Foot and Ankle and their Physical Therapy department at their Wilshire  Boulevard offices in Santa Monica.  From my first phone call to Irma the receptionist,  I was so impressed with their patience and compassion.  I was never rushed and I had many questions.
The PT staff itself consisting of Gray, Tammy and Ali are the best.  They know their stuff and devote their full attention to each patient even when the room is filled with patients.  I feel my feet are in the best hands (LOL!) and I cannot imagine a better team of therapists to treat any and all foot disorders.  Five stars at least!  I'd give 10 if that was an option.

It can be very hard to find a doctor to one's liking but the five star reviews for this office speak to the quality of the doctors they have here. I saw Dr. Volkmann for the removal of two toe nails and I couldn't be happier with the thorough consultation prior to the surgery, the surgery itself, and the aftercare. I highly recommend this office and wouldn't think twice about recommending Dr. Volkmann for any of your podiatry needs.

Everyone is terrific and helpful at both the Santa Monica and Sherman Oaks offices.  Dr. Bob is especially patient with you and will answer all of your questions with easy to understand termNo surprises.  He actually listens to you!  What a refreshing experience for a doctor.'s visit.

Dr. Franson is a great doctor! I wish all doctors were more like him. When discussing a treatment plan he makes it a discussion and really makes me feel like I am in control of my care. This is a very nice change compared to other doctors who just say "we are going to schedule a procedure" with no discussion first. The staff are very friendly and personable as well.

The physical therapy department is also wonderful! They really focus on the rehabilitation aspect of the therapy. Although they are working in a foot and ankle institute they do therapy on all parts of the body. They have early morning hours to accommodate people before work which is very helpful.

I had bad bunions on both feet, and could never wear normal, cute shoes without pain. My feet were always Fred Flintstone feet, and needed lots of support. In my late 20s I did marathons and had lots of foot problems. With age, my feet got worse and were more akin to bear's feet. Bad foot genetics. My grandmother had horrible bunions. As an athletic and competitive person, the bunions and lack of foot support were starting to cause other issues such as knee, hip and low back pain, and thus interfering with all my activities. Making me old before my time! Dr. Baravarian surgically corrected both bunions with a Tailor's Bunionectomy and Osteotomy, on both feet, 3 weeks apart. He also cleaned up the arthritis that was developing. The recovery was easy. Much easier than I could have ever anticipated. NOT recommended but I did do my martial arts class the day after surgery because I felt so good (and without taking the drugs prescribed except Ibuprofen for inflammation). I was careful, but that was stupid. I was swimming as soon as the incisions were clear, and started running a few months after. I could do upper body exercises with the boots on during recovery. Wished I did the surgery long ago had I known it wouldn't be such a big deal. The knee, low back and foot pain went away. Added bonus: feet are normal looking and can wear normal shoes. Several years later, feet corrected but still need support (and I was bad not regularly wearing my orthotics), I developed plantar fasciitis. Currently working w/ physical therapy team and they are fantastic as well. Dr. Baravarian and his whole team are great. All they do is concentrate of foot and ankle issues so you can trust you're in good hands. On that note, a lot of recovery and prevention is up to you, the patient. Stay healthy and continue to do physical therapy strengthening exercises and stretching. Basically, you should commit to the self-care for the rest of your life. The team can fix the structural problems, but it's up to you, the patient to keep yourself healthy and well.

Dr Baravarian was a referral from a friend who also had bunion surgery with him. He is knowledgeable, respectful and very professional. He tells it like it is and his staff is great. I had bunion surgery almost 8 weeks ago and I am healing great. I would highly recommend him to anyone that asks. Thank you for your great work and staff!!!

Dr Briskin operated on my toe to correct a hammertoe. He a very professional doctor and personable, as well.   The operation was not painful and was performed as outpatient surgery.  I followed instructions; continued with the recommended P/T for a few weeks following.  The P/T topped off a very successful surgery. The P/T staff at UFAI are fabulous.  Jason and Gray are the therapists who definitely know feet and ankles; staff Ari, Stephanie and  Erma are so caring and assets to the office.  By following instructions and receiving very good care, I am now as good as new!

Hi highly recommend Dr Baravarian as someone of experience, expertise, and patience.Yesterday, my daughter who is an aspiring tennis pro went to Dr Baravarian hobbling with tremendous pain and had to play a high level tennis tournament in 5 hours.
We were expecting the worst. But after taking xray to make sure she wasn't in danger, his vast knowledge with sports athletes fixed the situation and she is on her way. He fitted her with orthotics and gave tremendous advice for her future work outs and playing tournaments.
I can't thank him enough and the kind supporting staff that he has.

Top-notch patient services in a comfortable and accessible setting. Appointments can be made online or over the phone. I saw Dr. Volkman and was so pleased with his comprehensive examination of my upper foot pain. He examined my foot, did a few x-rays, and watched me walk to come up with a feasible and workable plan to make my foot better, and he didn't default to expensive and lengthy treatments. It looks like I have the start of breakdown of cartilage tissue (arthritis), exacerbated by a protruding toe bone--or at least that's my layman summary of what he said. He showed me what to look for in a good walking shoe, gave suggestions for retail stores that specialize in wearable comfort shoes, and recommended trying custom-made orthopedic inserts if the problem persists. I am working on number one of his plan, good walking shoes, and will see if that doesn't take care of my issues for the time being. It's good to know that, if it doesn't, I have a quality podiatrist that I can visit in future.

Dr. Baravarian is an excellent physician that truly understands the industry better than anyone else. I have visited other podiatrists that couldn't fix my issue and Dr. Baravarian was able to help me in one session. Nobody else compares.

I've been coming to Dr. Briskin ever since my son was in elementary school (he's now 29). I don't think there's a better podiatrist on the westside. Dr. Briskin has always been caring, knowledgeable and professional. I recommend him to all my friends and family!

Dr. Briskin and his team are outstanding. Friendly, timely, well organized, communicated very well making me feel completely at ease with my procedure. Highly recommend, thanks for the exceptional care!

I was traveling recently and injured my foot. Based on the recommendation of a friend (and after reading all the great reviews), I decided to give University Foot & Ankle Institute a try. Considering the circumstances, the whole ordeal was pretty painless! The wonderful staff at UFAI was able to get me in to see Dr. Baravarain quickly and efficiently, they even took my insurance! After a visit with Dr. Bob, I was pain free and on my way in no time! Thanks UFAI for taking such great care of me!

I had my first appointment with Doctor Tanler J. Volkmann. I have been having issues with the bottom of my feet, sensitivity and with a discoloration of one of my toe nails.

In addition, I have always been plagued with squared off toe nails and the issues created by "ingrowns".

I was LAPD for a long time and worked motors. I have seen my fair share of Foot and Ankle specialists with more well known "acronyms".

Looking back at the past 30 years, I just wish I would have known about the UFAI and Doctor Volkmann, he was way too young then, but I would have at least had some "better" relief from the staff if they had existed at that time.

The thing I know for certain is I hate to be "sold".

Doctor Volkmann was straight forward and shot from the hip. He explained to me the issues and told me how to correct the problems. Some of the items I would be able to do on my own - stretching etc. The other items would have to be taken care of on an outpatient basis.

It was comforting to see how clean and kind the operation was. I appreciate honesty and will tell everyone I know about my positive experience!!!

My Feet Thank You Doctor Volkmann...

Great staff!  I saw Dr Yau who was awesome.  Great "bedside manners".  The entire staff and Doctors here are above par - you seldom have a wait, very efficient office.  Dr Yau has a conservative approach which I like.

I can't say enough about how professional and capable and kind the staff is. I was in pain from damage to my foot from a previous bone break that was not properly taken care of by another Doctor. Dr. B ran the appropriate tests and then performed surgery, all in a timely manner. I am no longer in constant pain and have not felt any pain since the surgery. Highly recommend them!!

I have been seeing Dr. Franson and Dr. Yau for more than a year for different problems.  The most recent occurred on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  I fell at home and broke my ankle.  ON Monday (Labor Day), evening, I contacted the answering service at the office phone number.  I was immediately connected with Dr. Franson.  He was very concerned about my injury and immediately made a work in apt for the next day and proceeded to set up everything needed for my surgery the following day.  I informed him that I was scheduled to leave for vacation the next day (Thursday), however due to the extent of the injury, my flight was postponed to Saturday with Dr. Fransons ok.  He put me in a boot with the absolute promise of "no weight baring" during the week of vacation, set me up with a knee scooter and printed a letter to the TSA explaining my need for Ice packs on the plane.  Upon my return from vacation, Dr. Franson enthusiastically  inquired about my vacation and if everything and gone okay.   He and his entire staff have been absolutely wonderful.  From Michelle at the front desk to Gisela (just love this girl to pieces) in Xray to Sabrina setting up the surgery, I KNOW I'm in good hands.  I will continue to visit this office and HIGHLY RECOMMEND to everyone I know.

My daughter will be having ankle surgery with Dr. Yau in  a couple of weeks.  I didn't hesitate to suggest she visit this office when she started experiencing problems.  The staff has worked with us to make our appointments together as we live about an hour away.

I decided to make an appt. here after reading the Yelp reviews after I was unsatisfied with my local podiatrist. I have had nothing but a great experience here. My first visit I felt like they really took care of me. Knowing I live 2 hrs. away, they ensured I got everything I needed before I left town. They put me in an aircast boot for my injury, arranged for knee walker, molded my feet for orthotics, filled out my paperwork for my handicap placard and let me I could take care of that at the AAA office less than a mile away. I didn't have to wait long at all to be seen and Dr. Franson and his staff were super attentive.  I've been back two other times and appreciate Dr. Franson's patience and caring attitude.

Excellent and professional service form each doctor. From simple procedures to complex surgeries the doctors work for the betterment of the patient, The staff of nurses and patient care specialists are professional and knowledgeable in their specialties. My experiences have always been successful with my treatments. I recommend them highly.

I always come here and see Dr briskin to get my orthotics he's a wonderful doctor great bedside manner doesn't play any games doesn't try and sell me anything. We get right to the point and we get it done my time is very valuable and I appreciate that Dr briskin appreciates that. I used to go to the other foot doctors to get orthotics and they would have me coming back for like 5 different visit they would tape my foot one week they would do this they would do that they would keep billing my insurance and it would make me so angry. they never do that at this office I recommend this office and dr. Briskin to all my friends and I've been going there for 6 years and I'll continue going there

I saw Dr. Jason Morris in the Santa Monica office. I was afraid I was losing my BIG "pretty" toenail and it was hurting like hell. Terrors of terrors! Right in the middle of summer sandal season. Dr. Morris confirmed my fears and gave me a couple of options. In the end, he helped me make the tough choice: the nail had to come off -- it was destined to die and be reborn. His calm, caring demeanor helped me through the "exorcism" of the dead nail that day, and his follow-up was thorough and caring.

Dr. Baravarian is great.  He pays attention to what you say and the medical techs are impeccable and nice.  All around a well-run office.  He solved a tricky, painful and somewhat mysterious ankle problem for me three years ago and it hasn't come back but I still go back to him for orthotics.

Dr. Braxton Little, my podiatrist, was very professional, diagnosed me with plantar's faciitis
and then made a set of orthotics for me.  After two bouts of the plantar's fasciitis previously, since i got the orthotics I've never had another flare up with it.

Gray O'Brien, the owner of the physical therapy section and head physical therapist heads an extremely competent team of physical therapists.  They are all efficient and pay close attention to your progress.  They were able to answer the questions i had for both sets of sessions I had, one for therapy for plantar's fasciitis and the other for a sprained ankle.  I have a lot of confidence in the therapists and would definitely go back if needed, as I did before.

I am doing an update on my last review as I now have considerable time spent with Dr.Briskin and office. I was expeiencing foot and ankle pain that progressed for several months before I went to see Dr, Briskin.He took a conservative approach ( which I like) with PT first .After a few weeks and still some pain he wanted a MRI of my ankle. I said no way, I'm not going in that. He said he had one that only the foot goes in. I agreed , went to the Santa Monica center and sure enough onlly the foot went into the MRI. The staff there was great, kind compassionet, and made every effort to make me comfortable. The MRI revealed several areas of concern that I will be dealing with Dr.Briskin.I feel confident he will take care of my foot problems.

The staff in Manhattan Beach are helpful and friendly. Tom especially always asist me with my needs. He is always smiling and a busy little bee assisting patients. Nancy at the front desk is very helpful too,I needed additional information that she readly furnished for me on two occasions.Some of what I needed was to come from another office, when I did not receive it, she was right on it and seen to it that I did.
I can only say if you have foot or ankle problems this is the place to be. I will continue to post as time goes on with my care. If anything changes I will let you know.

Dr. Briskin and his staff make going to the doctor a simplistic and pleasurable experience. With two teens, both involved in competitive athletics (football and gymnastics), we have sought medical care for feet and ankle injuries on multiple occasions. Each time we have been out of the office in less than 45 minutes. Dr. Briskin is warm, friendly, and knowledgeable and always take the time to listen and evaluate the injury.

Here's the challenge......find a better doctor's office with the professionalism and caring service that even comes close to Dr. Briskin's team and the entire staff off UNIVERSITY FOOT & ANKLE INSTITUTE. I assure you....next to impossible. I cannot say enough about how well I was treated, diagnosed, and taken care of. THANK-YOU, DR. BRISKIN.