Patient Reviews of University Foot and Ankle Institute

We had the best experience with Dr. Franson and staff. They were able to get us in quickly after an injury we had that required urgent care. We had questions and the staff and doctor quickly responded. Everyone was so welcoming and nice and really made my son feel at ease during a not so fun injury. Would highly recommend!

Excellent. Out of all my appointments over ten months there was only one scheduling glitch; otherwise everything and everyone was top-notch. I appreciated Dr. Briskin's easy manner and affable interactions—and, of course, his clear expertise; Dr. Johnson is wonderful, as are Enrique, Jessica, Cheli, et al. My feet look and feel pretty great (I'm still working on getting back to my walking speed!), so it was overall a very positive experience.

Each of our feet is made up of 26 bones, 30 joints and more than 100 muscles, tendons and ligaments, all of which work together to provide support, balance and mobility.In the same way you wouldn't drive an unsafe car, it makes no sense to walk around on feet that aren't in excellent working order.I am a woman in my mid-seventies, was a runner for many years, and although my running days are over, by choice, I remain determined to keep my feet in exceptional condition going forward.Between 10% to 25% of people develop bunions, and despite countless advanced techniques, bunion surgery continues to take a bad rap and is avoided like the plague.Which leads me to assume that there are far too many people who are unnecessarily putting up with significant pain and discomfort or settling for feet which are functionality-challenged.Seventeen years ago, my left foot developed a painful bunion which compromised my running. I made an appointment with Dr. Bob Baravarian, who came highly recommended by a fellow runner. Dr. Bob was professional, empathetic, thorough and optimistic, so I committed to bunion surgery on my left foot.The surgery was almost completely painless due to Dr. B's impressive skills, in addition to the state-of-the-art procedures he and his colleagues have developed based on their sophisticated understanding of bone pain and how to mitigate it.The surgery was a complete success, and while the rehabilitation was challenging, I soon returned to running.Fast forward to this year when I began to experience discomfort in my right foot. I saw Dr. B. and after considerable discussion - he does not rush you and answers all your questions thoughtfully - we together decided that bunion surgery was appropriate...not only to eliminate the pain, but also, to assure me that my foot would maintain its functionality as I approached my senior years.It's eight weeks since I had the surgery at the small, personal surgical facility that Dr. B and his colleagues work out of in Beverly Hills.I wore a surgical boot for 5 weeks, was equipped with a special driving shoe after 2 weeks and followed an indispensable regime of physio therapy managed by Gray O'Brien, the Institute's focused, hands-on, dynamic and highly effective program director who is located directly across the hall from Dr. B's offices. I saw Gray twice a week, did the exercises at home daily and it worked!!I have gone from a pre-op situation to a successful outcome in two months, with the bare minimum of inconvenience or discomfort.Dr. Baravarian is an incredible podiatrist / surgeon whose professional attitude and warmth is mirrored by the entire staff at University Foot and Ankle Institute.

My first visit with Dr. Baravarian did not go well because the office was very busy. When I returned he gave me considerable attention and is helping me to deal with a foot problem that I have had over 30 years. Other podiatrists have told me that they could not help me. I believe he will help solve my problem. I would highly recommend him.

Dr. Bob (Babak Baravarian) remains the best podiatrist I've ever had! I recommend him to anyone I know having feet problems, as well as people who are having issues and need a new opinion. The office is so helpful, every single person, I'm almost always able to get in to see him within a week (very rare with some doctors!) and I am always so pleased with our visits. He asks about older issues and covers new ones completely. When he can, he looks out for my best financial interest, and helps give advice with the process. I remain in his exceptional care since 2003, he will always be the best. I love recommending him and hearing back how much he helped and what a positive experience my friends have. The very best in my opinion!!! I've had plantar fasciitis now in both feet, loose ankles and sprained ankles, and the shoes he recommends for all lifestyles are spot on. He's also the best bed side manner for me, as I hate needles and I've had a few shots with him. He's so kind and patient. Wonderful doctor and staff I highly recommend!!

The receptionist are polite, respectful and helpful. The medical assistants are friendly and understanding. I needed a travel letter and a letter for my work and they were able to provide it the same day with in 5-10 minutes. The doctor listen and take the time to answer questions. During the treatment he was supportive. Overall it was a great experience. The only annoying thing is the cancellations of two of my appointments, but I understand that stuff happens.

A scraping procedure on both heels - less than ten minutes - and the sharp pains are gone. Not only is walking back to normal, so is running - resumed next day. Fantastic treatment! Cannot be happier. Many sincere thanks.

I couldn't ask for better care. I'm so grateful and fortunate I was able to have my bunion surgeries performed by Dr. Baravarian and Dr. Johnson. They are topnotch...the Doctors you have always wished you had... elegant, dedicated, kind, with a gentle sense of humor that makes you feel totally taken care of... All of my questions were answered... The entire staff is just as awesome. (I was able to have my pre-surgical visits at the Sherman Oaks location and my actual surgeries in Beverly Hills.)

My experience with Dr. Gina Nalbandian has been exceptional!!! She is very detailed and precisewith her work. She has always treated me with a kindness and compassion. No matter what questions that I have, she is very professional with her answers. I trust her work.