Heather Tran, DPM, AACFAS

Dr. Heather Tran, D.P.M., is a fellowship-trained podiatric surgeon specializing in disorders of the foot and ankle. An Orange County native, Dr. Tran completed her undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, earning a bachelor’s degree in Molecular Toxicology. She then went on to obtain her medical degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Philadelphia, followed by residency training at HCA Houston Healthcare West, a prestigious podiatric training program affiliated with Texas Medical Center, the largest health-science center in the world. While there, she performed over 2,000 procedures and gained extensive experience in all areas of foot and ankle surgery.

After completing her residency, Dr. Tran pursued fellowship training at UT Health San Antonio, home to the Texas Diabetes Institute, the world’s largest diabetic clinical center, where her clinical focus was on Charcot reconstruction, orthoplastics, and functional limb salvage.

Dr. Tran’s practice reflects her comprehensive and multifaceted training, encompassing general podiatry, sports medicine, trauma, fractures (with or without joint replacement), reconstructive limb deformity correction including flatfoot and cavus, and the treatment of diabetic foot disorders such as diabetic ulcers, osteomyelitis, and Charcot neuroarthropathy.

She has significant experience with surgical navigation and minimally invasive techniques and emphasizes multimodal pain control pathways, early mobilization, and rapid recovery protocols. This holistic approach aims to reduce hospital stays and enhance postoperative recovery.

Dr. Tran is a member of the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons (ACFAS) and the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA). She is board eligible in both foot and hindfoot with the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery (ABFAS). Dr. Tran has multiple academic journal publications and has lectured at various national meetings and conferences.

Dr. Tran’s philosophy is to treat her patients as she would her own family and friends. She builds strong doctor-patient relationships and ensures that patients understand and are comfortable with their diagnoses and treatment plans. She exhausts all conservative treatment options before considering surgical intervention, prioritizing tailored treatment plans that align with each patient’s symptoms, lifestyle, and activity goals.

In her spare time, Dr. Tran enjoys spending time with family, cooking, traveling, and exploring San Diego. An avid water sports enthusiast, she enjoys kayaking, scuba diving, stand-up paddleboarding, and is currently pursuing her certification in sailing. She is excited to return home to California and looks forward to serving the San Diego community, helping patients get back on their feet.