Santa Monica Podiatry Clinic Patient Testimonials

This is one business I hope I never need to return to but if I do I hope physical therapists Jason and Ali are still there.

Both were very helpful and pleasant to work with. They made the experience as relaxing as I can imagine physical therapy ever being and their interest and concern for me and the other patients I observed them treating was sincere. Their suggestions have proven to be helpful and the treatment successful.

I'd  have given more stars if I'd had any other experiences to compare them to which I hope against all reason will never happen.

Dr Baravarian is awesome!  I say this because he's perfectly willing to admit when he doesn't know something and when he cannot help.  Humility, like that, is a rare and highly admirable trait in any doctor (I know that sounds weird, but you can trust a doctor that tells you their limitations instead of bullshitting you and trying things at your wellbeing's expense).
He gave me some great recommendations on peripheral nerve surgeons to get consultations with.
He also checked out my surgical sites (from previous orthopedic surgeries last year) and let me know his opinion on them.  I wish I had known about him before!  He and his team were great and even though they couldn't help me there... They gave me a direction to go in next.
Thank you Dr Baravarian!

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.

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.

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 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!

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!

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 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.

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.

My experience with UFAI has been nothing but positive! Your staff is truly responsive and very customer-oriented. My surgery experience was equally positive! Wonderful nurses and staff! I have actually recommended UFAI to several of my friends!