Our Providers
Justin Franson, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Justin Fransonis a Board-Certified Podiatric Foot and Ankle Specialist. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Podiatric Surgery.
His idyllic childhood, growing up in New England, hiking the Appalachian Trail, fishing rivers and streams, and eating wild berries all summer long instilled a joy of life that he maintains to this day.
It was during this time in Maine that Dr. Franson began a lifelong love of sports, running cross-country and playing basketball. He grew up with enough people to form a basketball team, with eight siblings and his parents. Medicine certainly runs in his family, as half his siblings are involved in various aspects of healthcare.
After studying accounting and then leaning toward a physical therapy at Brigham Young University, Dr. Franson decided to pursue podiatry as his career. He then attended the School College of Podiatric Medicine in Chicago and supported himself by toiling at a number of part-time jobs until he got his degree. It was during this time he learned how to balance hard work and busy life. When not working or attending school, the future doctor enjoyed “a lot of Chicago’s famous deep-dish pizza.”
Upon graduation in 2001, Franson accepted a three-year residency program at the Greater Los Angeles VA and UCLA County Hospital. His residency-training program included a lot of time in the hospital, emergency room, clinics, and operating room.
Dr. Franson specializes in several areas including total ankle replacement and sports medicine. Treating athletes and weekend warriors like himself brings him a lot of joy. “I love being able to provide true relief to the physical problems that people come see me about. I am one of those people who truly enjoy the personal interactions with my patients.”
His family, complete with four children, keeps him and his wife busy with numerous sports and activities. Dr. Franson, a resident of the Santa Clarita Valley, is also an active member of the community, donating time and resources to a number of local organizations, clubs, and teams.
Like his kids, Dr. Franson is active too, running marathons, triathlons, hiking, basketball, and golf. He says, “These activities continue to give me new and valuable insights into different sports injuries and the mindset of those of us who love to participate in them.”
Podiatrist Dr. Franson is available for patient consultations at University Foot and Ankle Institute in Valencia, California.
Certifications
- ABFAS® Board Certified Foot Surgery
- ABFAS® Board Certified Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot/Ankle Surgery (RRA)
Gi Ryoung Kwon, DPM
Dr. Gi Ryoung Kwon is a Podiatrist at the University Foot & Ankle Institute. Born in Seoul, Korea, Dr. Kwon grew up in New Jersey and New York. He completed his undergraduate studies at Pace University in NYC and went on to earn his medical degree from the New York College of Podiatric Medicine (NYCPM). Dr. Kwon then completed his residency at Mount Sinai in New York. He currently resides in Santa Monica.
His passion for podiatry stems from his lifelong love of soccer, a sport that introduced him to the importance of foot health and injury prevention. In part due to his interests, he specializes in minimally invasive procedures, but has experience with all manner of lower extremity conditions and operations.
When he’s not providing exceptional care to his patients, you can find Dr. Kwon enjoying a wide variety of cuisines, supporting the soccer team Juventus in Serie A, or following his local LA Dodgers.
Dr. Kwon speaks Korean fluently and is also studying Spanish and French.
Dana Lavian, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Dana Lavian is a board-certified podiatrist with over two decades of experience in podiatry and podiatric surgery.
Dr. Lavian received her Bachelor in Biology (PreMed) with honors from Hofstra University before attaining her Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine with honors as well. She then completed her post-graduate training at St. Agnes Medical Center in Philadelphia. There, she focused on evaluation and management of all aspects of foot and ankle pathology, as well as the systemic disease contributing to these disease processes.
As a licensed podiatrist, she believes her patients deserve to have the information needed to make good choices about their foot and ankle care. Her goal is to educate each patient and begin a relevant treatment program with the highest quality of care available. Whatever the foot and ankle issue, Dr. Lavian prides herself on providing patients with a comfortable office experience and will work with her patients to find answers that will bring them relief.
She provides her patients with the most advanced and modern surgical and non-surgical techniques available in foot and ankle surgery. Podiatric maladies can have a significant negative impact on one’s physical and emotional well-being, which is why she is dedicated to helping patients feel their best.
Dr. Lavian also has a military background, having served in the training department in the Israeli Defense Force and retiring as Lieutenant.
Dr. Lavian supports her patients in English, Hebrew, and Spanish.
Leslie Levy, DPM, FACFAS
Dr. Leslie Levy is a well-established board-certified podiatrist with over four decades of experience in podiatry and podiatric surgery.
Dr. Levy attained his Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from State University of New York, then went to California College of Podiatric Medicine for his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine. He furthered his medical education with his residency at Western Medical Center.
He holds several certifications and remains active in several committees. He is a standing member of the Surgical Department Committee for Holy Cross Medical Center and the Quality Assurance Committee for Valencia Outpatient Surgical Center. Dr. Levy is also the past president and current board member of the California Society of Industrial Medicine.
Dr. Levy remains active in his field and enjoys teaching and spreading his podiatric knowledge to future medical professionals. He is an assistant clinical professor of podiatry/podiatric medicine for California College of Podiatric Medicine and Los Angeles County USC Medical Center. Outside of his medical practice, he also is a clinical consultant/peer review for Health Net Corporation. In the past, he has also served as a clinical instructor/clinical consultant for health and pharmaceutical centers.
Hoda Naei, DPM
Dr. Hoda Naei specializes in Sports Medicine. She is board-qualified in foot surgery and is a member of the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.
Dr. Naei was born in Missouri but grew up in Michigan. She graduated from Wayne State University with a degree in radiation therapy technology.
After Wayne State, she obtained her podiatry studies at Kent State University in Ohio and completed her residency at Beaumont Farmington Hills in Michigan.
She loves sports and has participated in many, from basketball to martial arts. During her college years, she was an avid kickboxer. Her experience with a sprained ankle during her kickboxing career led her to specialize in Podiatry.
“I still remember the pain I encountered after I had performed an uncoordinated kick,” she says. Practicing kicks is crucial to becoming a great kickboxer and is one of the most important parts of training.
The poorly performed kick left her with a sprained ankle that required medical attention. During her schooling and hospital rotations, it held her back when students must be in top physical shape. She (obviously) went to a podiatrist to evaluate her sprained ankle and get her back on track.
“He took the time to explain the healing process and assured me I would not have any negative long-term physical problems,” she recounts. “The support and confidence that my podiatrist gave me eased my fear … and enhanced my interest in podiatry.”
She could do mixed martial arts for years and now enjoys hiking.
Dr. Naei currently lives in Santa Monica with her fiance. She is fluent in English and Farsi.