University Foot and Ankle Institute, El Segundo - Los Angeles, California

Vadim Sorokin

I was glad and happy because I met this doctor! I had a problem with my leg, I had several experiences with the treatment of my leg with other doctors, but no one helped me and could not solve my problem!! And just a couple of visits to this doctor my problem was solved! Now I am healthy and can enjoy life!

Adrian Enoch

If you want a doctor who cares more about his phone than the lives of his patients, Dr. Briskin is just for you! This is a serious medical situation. I nearly died last year. Dr. Briskin never even bothered to respond.

On December 29, 2022, I presented with a broken first metatarsal (left foot), that Dr. Briskin diagnosed, imaged and casted, first in a hard cast and then later in a soft boot-type cast at the end of January 2023. I visited his office as prescribed on a regular basis. Starting in early February 2023, I complained of pains in my left calf. It was ascribed to the cast rubbing against my leg. Those pains that then spread to my back and side continued even when I was in his office, seen by a substitute woman doctor (when Briskin was in Hawaii in mid-February). The pains became increasingly more severe, prompting me (and my mother, as well) to leave a series of phone messages at Briskin’s office on 2/16/23 and before, and an email, to which he replied, seemingly unalarmed.

I ended up in an urgent care facility on 2/19/23, and finally in the emergency room at Providence-St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica where I was eventually diagnosed with a stream of DVTs in my left leg, multiple pulmonary embolisms in both lungs, and—ultimately—a pulmonary infarct that permanently damaged a portion of one lung. I was admitted to St. John’s for several days, 2/21, 2/22, 2/23. Besides the extreme pain I endured and the expense I’ve incurred, I could have died.

While I’m quite sure every body is different, I now know it’s not uncommon for blood clots to occur with some lower limb injuries. Of course, this complication was new to me, but should not have been new to Briskin and his practice. If his substitute (who arranged for a glorious 3-D, full-color image of my foot and ankle in mid-February) had simply looked a few inches north of my ankle; if she had only listened to what I was saying; if you, Briskin had taken my emails and calls to heart, I’m quite sure that—while I most certainly would have been diagnosed with DVTs--I would not have ended up in the hospital, in excruciating pain, and now on multiple medications, including months and months of necessary (and expensive) blood thinners.

I’ve had to pay thousands of dollars for what my insurance did not cover: portions urgent care, testing, hospitalization and all the medications that a Cedars-Sinai pulmonologist and a hematologist have prescribed. I have lost time at work. I have had to substantially alter my active lifestyle. I lost money and time. In a few weeks I was catapulted from a physically fit 30-something guy into an old man.

In the future, prevent patients’ injuries from becoming near catastrophic
by surrounding yourself with a more responsive staff, and taking patients’ complaints more seriously

Lorraine Devon Wilke

With its professional and experienced group of doctors and support personnel, University Foot & Ankle Institute was my very wise choice when moving forward with bunion surgery. Dr. Gary Briskin is friendly and accessible, with his many years of expertise made clear by the process and positive outcome. His assistant, Dr. Abimbola Johnson brought his own ease and expertise to the table.

Despite the many warnings I got from the well-meaning—"I hear bunion surgery is SO painful!"—my own experience was surprisingly easy and manageable, with only brief, moderate pain, and, even with a couple of post-op "tweaks" needed to fine-tune the final product, a quick recovery.

Support staff Enrique, Adrian, Cheli, Jessica, and all the rest were wonderful to work with. I was always quickly brought into my appointments, treated respectfully and thoroughly, and always felt comfortable and considered.

A high recommend!

Kathleen V

I was very happy with the staff and the Doctor. I found the Doctor on the internet and sent a request for a consult through the website, I was contacted the following day and had an appointment the same week. I couldn't ask for better service. I ended up having minor surgery which was also scheduled within a couple weeks from my first visit with the Dr. The staff is great. Thank you to Dr. Briskin and the staff for their patience and understanding. Kathleen ~

Carsten Baumann

Dr. Bob Baravarian and his staff are excellent. Both, the Sherman Oaks and their Santa Monica facilities are superb. There was hardly a wait. It seems they manage their schedule very professional. Dr. Baravarian take his time during the examination and I feel that he really cares about his patients. I went twice, a broken foot and upper joint ligament tears. Nice experience. His staff is very courteous, friendly and accommodating. Great experience - if you have foot and angle problems - GO nowhere else.

Jean Tordella

Until last Monday, my experience was positive. The only care i had was to treat my most persistent plantar warts. One week ago, I unfortunately slid forward into a cement step fracturing my big toe of my right foot. I had x-rays taken at a local Urgent Care. the doctor told me I had a fracture and taped it to my next toe. It hurt like crazy and worried me. I knew I needed to see my podiatrist specialist.

I looked at the web site and wanted to schedule an appointment. I knew I needed to see the doctor the next day. I found the pop up box at the bottom of the web site and requested help through the text box. Steven is the Internet Patient Liaison who responded to me on Sunday evening. He sent me detailed arrangements for my visit to the office on Monday. That is great patient care.

Dr. Briskin & his team took great care of me my entire visit. The fracture of the big toe has potential to impact other body parts without this great care. I'm on my way to healing thanks to everyone.

Penny Laster

I really like the South Bay staff. They are friendly and helpful.
I did have a communication problem about my account. I feel like this is because when you call you get the office in Manhattan Beach. Because they do not seem to know what the office in South Bay is doing? This causes communication gaps.

Erica Duarte

I went to University Foot and Ankle Institute and I was seen by Dr. Briskin. Let me tell you that I am glad that I went to see Dr. Briskin. I was misdiagnosed. I don't have a fracture hairline on my foot. But I do suffer from Achilles pain. Now I am scheduled for surgery and I am ecstatic for the surgery this pain is unbearable. If you need a second opinion the University Foot and Ankle Institute is the place to come. I am glad I came here!!