Finding the Best Podiatrist in Orange County

Choosing a podiatrist isn’t easy — most practice websites all say the same things about themselves. Below are the questions worth actually asking before you book, with straight answers based on what we look for ourselves. We’re OC Podiatry, based in Irvine, and we offer Saturday appointments.

Short answer: look for board certification, fellowship training in foot and ankle surgery, a residency at a well-regarded hospital, a clean record with the state medical board, and solid patient reviews on Yelp or Healthgrades.

What is a podiatric fellowship, and why does it matter?

A fellowship is an optional extra year of training after residency, focused on complex foot and ankle surgery. Podiatrists who complete one have performed more surgeries and are better equipped to handle advanced or unusual cases.

Does it matter where a podiatrist did their residency?

Yes — residency is where most hands-on surgical learning happens, so training at a highly ranked hospital generally means broader experience. Our doctors trained at top programs around the country.

What does it mean to be board certified?

Board certification means a podiatrist has passed additional written exams administered by their certifying board, beyond the licensing exam every practicing podiatrist must pass. It’s a higher standard than licensure alone.

How do I check a podiatrist’s license?

Search the California Podiatric Medical Board’s website to confirm there are no disciplinary actions on record before your first visit.

What’s the best way to find a good recommendation?

Read reviews before you go in — Yelp and Healthgrades tend to be the most reliable sources. It’s also worth asking your primary care doctor or friends for a referral. You can see our patient reviews directly, or check us out on Yelp and Healthgrades.

“Dr. Kolodenker is top notch. I had put off my first bunionectomy for so many years — so long that my previous doctor had finally retired. I found Dr. Kolodenker through all of the positive Yelp reviews. The surgery went very smoothly, as did the recovery, and six weeks of PT definitely helped. I’m now 3.5 months post-op with a much better foot than the one I suffered with for so long.”

— OC Podiatry patient review

What should I expect at my first appointment?

A good first visit shouldn’t feel rushed. Write your questions down ahead of time, be upfront about your symptoms and history, and expect your doctor to walk you through your options in plain language — not every question has a clean answer, and that’s normal. We give every patient direct email access to their doctor.

Will my insurance cover a second opinion?

Most of the time, yes. Don’t hesitate to get one if something doesn’t sit right — we see foot and ankle patients for second opinions regularly, both before surgery and after a diagnosis, and it’s a good way to double-check a treatment plan. You’re not obligated to switch doctors afterward.

How do I contact OC Podiatry?

Dr. Gennady Kolodenker is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon serving Orange County, including Irvine, Huntington Beach, Orange, and Newport Beach. He specializes in sports medicine and both simple and complex surgery of the foot and ankle, including diabetic foot ulcer treatment.

Feel free to send us your questions on our Facebook page.

Is OC Podiatry open on weekends?

Yes — we’re open Saturdays at our Irvine location.

Updated August 19, 2026