Cardiologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Chiropractor providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dentist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Dermatologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Family Physician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
OB-GYN providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Ophthalmologist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Orthopedic Surgeon providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Pediatrician providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Physical Therapist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Podiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Psychiatrist providers include doctors, nurses, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants. They often maintain long-term relationships with you and advise and treat you on a range of health related issues.
Mastering the art and science of surgical podiatry, Dr. Robert Joseph has dedicated the past ten years to refining his skills in the specialty of foot and ankle reconstruction and surgery. A graduate from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio (1995), he completed a two-year surgical residency program and continues to share his knowledge and experience at the Teaching Residency Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Midway Hospital in Los Angeles, California. With multiple locations throughout the county of Los Angeles, Dr. Joseph's goal is to be the premier surgical podiatrist, providing innovative services (specialized care for the immunocompromised patient) and the best patient care possible.
Artin Shakhbandaryan, DPM, is a podiatrist, wound care specialist, and foot and ankle surgeon at Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, providing high-quality podiatry care to people 12 and older in West Covina, California.
Dr. Shakhbandaryan studied at the University of California, Riverside, earning his bachelor’s degree in economics. A few years later, he decided to pursue a medical career and enrolled in the Los Angeles Community College District, obtaining his science prerequisite credits.
After completing these courses, Dr. Shakhbandaryan enrolled at the Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, earning his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Then, he completed a three-year surgical residency program at West Covina Medical Center in West Covina, California, and a limb salvage residency at the Keck School of Medicine of USC in Los Angeles.
At Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center, Dr. Shakhbandaryan diagnoses and treats most foot and ankle conditions, but he has a special interest in foot and ankle surgery and wound care.
Dr. Shakhbandaryan is a member of several professional organizations, including the Podiatric Research Club, Radiology for Foot and Ankle Specialists, the California Podiatric Medical Association, the American Academy of Podiatric Sports Medicine, and the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Shakhbandaryan speaks English and Armenian fluently and is also proficient in conversational Spanish, letting him serve the practice’s diverse clientele.
Outside of work, Dr. Shakbandaryan enjoys sharing his knowledge with others. He’s contributed to several professional publications and often speaks at conferences.
Dr. Shakhbandaryan welcomes anyone seeking relief from foot or ankle pain to Step By Step Foot and Ankle Center today.
“The Dr. & staff r polite.. Dr. explains ur situation in terms that r ez to understand.. Dr. is very patient with his patients.. Im very satisfied with the services he has provided for me..”
Mastering the art and science of surgical podiatry, Dr. Robert Joseph has dedicated the past ten years to refining his skills in the specialty of foot and ankle reconstruction and surgery. A graduate from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio (1995), he completed a two-year surgical residency program and continues to share his knowledge and experience at the Teaching Residency Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Midway Hospital in Los Angeles, California. With multiple locations throughout the county of Los Angeles, Dr. Joseph's goal is to be the premier surgical podiatrist, providing innovative services (specialized care for the immunocompromised patient) and the best patient care possible.
Dr. Wenjay Sung, DPM, is a top-ranked, award-winning podiatrist offering the highest-quality care for patients in and around Arcadia, CA. At his state-of-the-art practice, Dr. Sung offers a comprehensive array of care options for simple and complex issues, including treatments for ankle sprains and other ankle problems, neuroma, nail fungus, heel pain and flat feet, as well as corn removal, bunion surgery, and other cutting-edge, innovative approaches to care.
He has been a national and international lecturer on foot and ankle surgery. He was awarded the ACFAS Clinical and Scientific Research Grant and has won several professional awards in his career including the Rising Star Award from the California Podiatric Medical Association. Dr. Sung has been quoted by numerous press outlets (WSJ, Marketwatch), print magazines (Shape, WebMD, Readers Digest), and was also featured in Buzzfeed media.
Dr. Smith graduated from California State University at Northridge with a bachelor of arts degree in psychology. He then earned a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from the California School of Podiatric Medicine at Samuel Merritt University in Oakland, California. After medical school, Dr. Smith completed a 3-year surgical residency at Phoenix Baptist/Maricopa Medical Center in Arizona.
He has over 15 years of experience in diabetic limb preservation wound care. Dr. Smith is board-certified with American Board of Podiatric Medicine and also holds a Certificate of Added Qualification and Amputation Prevention and Wound Care.
When Dr. Smith is not practicing medicine, you will find him spending time with his family and tinkering with classic cars and golfing.
Mastering the art and science of surgical podiatry, Dr. Robert Joseph has dedicated the past ten years to refining his skills in the specialty of foot and ankle reconstruction and surgery. A graduate from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio (1995), he completed a two-year surgical residency program and continues to share his knowledge and experience at the Teaching Residency Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Midway Hospital in Los Angeles, California. With multiple locations throughout the county of Los Angeles, Dr. Joseph's goal is to be the premier surgical podiatrist, providing innovative services (specialized care for the immunocompromised patient) and the best patient care possible.
Michael Wheeler, DPM, is a foot and ankle surgeon practicing at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery, which has locations in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California. He specializes in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery, with an emphasis in lower extremity trauma and diabetic limb salvage.
Dr. Wheeler joins the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery after a three-year foot and ankle surgery residency in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Wheeler completed an internship at the Cleveland Clinic, where he was formally recognized by patients and colleagues for his service as an outstanding caregiver. He completed his three-year surgical training at Mercy Health Regional Medical Center and The Northern Ohio Foot and Ankle Foundation, where he served as Chief Resident.
Dr. Wheeler was raised in Fredonia, New York, and obtained a Bachelor of Science in biology with a minor in business studies from the State University of New York College at Geneseo. Upon completing his bachelor's degree, Dr. Wheeler earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine from the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine.
In his spare time, Dr. Wheeler enjoys skiing, bike riding, golfing, boating, and swimming. Having attained the rank of Eagle Scout, Dr. Wheeler continues to give back to his community through various service projects!
Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery offers comprehensive care, treating all lower limb conditions under one roof but in three convenient locations: Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California. The experienced podiatrists take pride in giving every patient their individual attention as they provide customized care that preserves foot health and function.
They offer advanced foot care for every type of foot condition, from acute fractures to chronic arthritis, ankle and foot sprains, ligament and tendon injuries, reconstruction of congenital and acquired foot and ankle deformities. The podiatric surgeons at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery perform the most complex total ankle and total Talus replacements and routinely revise failed procedures performed elsewhere. They treat bunions and hammertoes, neuromas and plantar fasciitis. The podiatric physicians and surgeons at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery are experts in limb preservation. They also perform routine diabetic and geriatric foot care for corns and calluses, ingrown toenails, and plantar warts.
The podiatrists are on staff at five major hospitals in the San Fernando Valley. In addition to having access to advanced facilities for surgical care, they’re available to provide exceptional emergency treatment.
Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery welcomes anyone seeking state-of-the-art foot and ankle care. To schedule an appointment, call the nearest office or use the online booking feature today.
Ara Kelekian, DPM specializes in podiatric medicine and podiatric surgery. His clinical areas of expertise include diabetic wound care, foot and ankle surgery, biomechanical evaluation, and sports medicine. Dr. Kelekian is certified in cutting edge surgical techniques, such as ankle arthroscopy and other endoscopic foot and ankle procedures.
Dr. Kelekian received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). He then attended the California College of Podiatric Medicine and earned a degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. He completed his primary podiatric medical residency at Wyckoff Heights Medical Center in New York, and then spent two years completing his podiatric surgical residency closer to home at Monterey Park Hospital in California.
Dr. Kelekian is board certified in foot surgery by the American Board of Podiatric Surgery. He is affiliated with several organizations including the American Podiatric Medical Association, the California Podiatric Medical Association, and Los Angeles County Podiatric Medical Society. He is a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons.
Dr. Kelekian and his wife, Cristina, have one son, Alexander.
Dr. Kelekian is available for appointments at the Burbank office.
Dr. Santander is a fellowship-trained surgeon in foot and ankle reconstruction, revision, and limb preservation.
He is a diplomate of both the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery and the American Board of Podiatric Medicine with additional qualifications in foot and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery.
Dr. Santander has served in the medical field from the age of 17 when he enlisted in the United States Army in a Combat Support Hospital and deployed during Operation Enduring Freedom. Upon returning, Dr. Santander attended UCLA before earning his medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences in California and completing a three-year podiatric surgical residency at Medstar Georgetown University Hospital/Washington Hospital Center in Washington D.C. Dr. Santander went on to a reconstruction, revision, and limb preservation fellowship with Foot & Ankle Specialist of Virginia in Richmond, Virginia.
As a Los Angeles native, Dr. Santander returns with excellent advanced surgical training and diverse experience serving people of all backgrounds to join Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery.
When not helping patients, he enjoys hiking, snowboarding, cooking, and experiencing cultures through food and people.
Armen Hagopjanian, DPM, FACFAS, is a foot and ankle surgeon practicing at Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery, which has locations in Burbank, Santa Clarita, and Northridge, California. He specializes in trauma and reconstruction of foot and ankle, total ankle replacement, total ankle stabilization, bunionectomy, sports medicine and injuries, arthroscopic surgery of the foot and ankle, and diabetic foot care and limb salvage. Dr. Hagopjanian is the first podiatric surgeon who started the total ankle replacement program in Los Angeles and still trains many surgeons around the country to perform this difficult but rewarding procedure.
Dr. Hagopjanian started his medical education at Yerevan State Medical Institute in Armenia. In the US, he successfully continued the pursuit of his medical career. He received his bachelor of science degree in microbiology and molecular genetics from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA). He later graduated from California College of Podiatric Medicine (currently Samuel Merritt College) with the degree of Doctor of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Hagopjanian completed his surgical residency at Western Medical Center in Orange county.
Dr. Hagopjanian is board-certified in foot and ankle surgery. He is also board-certified in reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery. Dr. Hagopjanian is a member of the American Podiatric Medical Association and the California Podiatric Medical Association. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics. Dr. Hagopjanian is trilingual in English, Armenian, and Russian.
Dr. Hagopjanian is former Vice President of the Los Angeles Society of Foot and Ankle Surgeons and former Chief of Podiatry at Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center and Northridge hospital.
Dr. Hagopjanian has two sons, Rafael and Stepan.
Dr. Hagopjanian is available to see patients at the Los Angeles Institute of Foot and Ankle Surgery's offices in Northridge, Burbank, and Santa Clarita!
Mastering the art and science of surgical podiatry, Dr. Robert Joseph has dedicated the past ten years to refining his skills in the specialty of foot and ankle reconstruction and surgery. A graduate from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine, Ohio (1995), he completed a two-year surgical residency program and continues to share his knowledge and experience at the Teaching Residency Program at Cedars Sinai Medical Center and Midway Hospital in Los Angeles, California. With multiple locations throughout the county of Los Angeles, Dr. Joseph's goal is to be the premier surgical podiatrist, providing innovative services (specialized care for the immunocompromised patient) and the best patient care possible.
