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Meet our Providers

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Dr. Joanne Balkaran, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, CWS
Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery® | Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery | Certified Wound Specialist | Diplomate, Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery
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Dr. Rikesh A. Patel, DPM, AACFAS
Dr. Blanca T. Diaz
Dr. Blanca T. Diaz, DPM, DABPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Medicine
Dr. Joanne Balkaran, DPM, D.ABFAS, FACFAS, CWS
Diplomate, American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery® | Board Certified in Foot Surgery and Reconstructive Rearfoot and Ankle Surgery | Certified Wound Specialist | Diplomate, Minimally Invasive Foot and Ankle Surgery

Foot and ankle surgeon Dr. Joanne Balkaran has more than 14 years of experience in podiatric care, including minimal incision surgery. She currently serves men, women, and families throughout Lake County at Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida in Mount Dora, Florida. 

Dr. Balkaran was born and raised in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. She decided to pursue a career in medicine after seeing her grandmother and father battle diabetes and cancer. Prior to launching her career, Dr. Balkaran served in the Canadian armed forces.

She began her professional pursuits at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, where she earned her Doctor of Podiatric Medicine, graduating with high honors. Following graduation, Dr. Balkaran completed a residency at Palmetto General Hospital in Hialeah, Florida. She also completed a Masters of External Fixation fellowship at the Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi in Milan, Italy.

As a podiatrist, Dr. Balkaran works with people of all ages, from infants and toddlers to adults and senior citizens. She sets aside plenty of time to spend with each person and listens carefully to their symptoms and concerns. Dr. Balkaran’s extensive knowledge of foot and ankle problems enables her to develop treatment plans that ease her patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Dr. Balkaran speaks English, Spanish, and French. She welcomes any man, woman, or family in Lake County seeking improved foot or ankle health to Ankle & Foot Center of Central Florida today.

Dr. Rikesh A. Patel, DPM, AACFAS

Dr. Rikesh Patel joined the Ankle and Foot Center of Central Florida at the end of June 2022. He is our Associate Foot & Ankle Surgeon. He completed his undergraduate studies in Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of South Florida, before graduating from Barry University with a doctorate in podiatric medicine. He graduated from Palmetto General Hospital with an added credential of reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery and served as Chief resident in his final year.

Dr. Patel’s specialties include trauma, limb salvage, deformity correction, and minimally invasive surgery of the foot, ankle, and lower extremity below the knee.

Fluent in English, Gujarati, and Spanish, his interests outside of medicine include traveling, spending time with family, and an avid sports fan – especially with any of his Tampa home teams.

Dr. Blanca T. Diaz, DPM, DABPM
Diplomate, American Board of Podiatric Medicine

Dr. Blanca T. Diaz was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She received her Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology from the University of Puerto Rico.  She is a graduate of the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York, NY.  Dr. Diaz completed her residency in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery at the Department of Veterans Affairs – New Jersey Health Care System in East Orange, NJ, and served as Chief Resident. After residency, Dr. Diaz practiced in Union City, New Jersey prior to relocating to Clermont, Florida in the fall of 2014. Dr. Diaz practiced in The Villages, Florida for six years and Orlando areas.

Throughout her healthcare career, she has provided treatment for many foot and ankle conditions for patients of all ages. Dr Diaz is board certified as a Diplomate with the American Board of Podiatric Medicine.  Dr. Diaz speaks fluent English and Spanish.

Outside of the office, Dr. Diaz enjoys spending time with her family, as well as, watching movies, cooking,  and traveling.

Robert Pellosie
Google Review

Friendly and professional staff made things very comfortable and easy. Dr. Balkaran is very knowledgeable, personable, and professional. She made treatment very easy and effective. I would highly recommend this office.

Skoolarius Dragavaere
Google Review

Great doctor drove all the way from west Tennessee to Florida because shes that great and genuinely cares about her client and makes sure you understand everything

Nancy Duysters
Google Review

The workers in the office are very friendly and attentive to my needs. It is nice that Dr. Balkaran takes the time to ask me questions and answers my questions. I have had more tests and attention at this doctors office in less then a year then I did in 12 years at my old podiatrist.

muzikismy life
Google Review

I went to 3 different foot Drs till I found Dr. Balkaran. She assessed the problem, ordered an MRI, and when all the results were in, she discussed the problem with me and the course of action to take. Come to find out, I had a very serious injury in both feet that would require surgery. Neither of the other Drs. had no clue. I have complete confidence in Dr. Balkarans professional expertise and I’m sorry I didn’t find her sooner. I would have been spared a lot of pain and money. My advice? ALWAYS get a 2nd opinion!

Steven Hopkins
Google Review

Dr. Balkaran was the 3rd podiatrist we saw to try and figure out why my daughter was having ankle pain. She really listened and figured out the issue in about 15 minutes. The other doctors just dismissed it as a sprain and sent us on our way, when in fact she had an issue that required surgery to correct. Dr. Balkaran performed the surgery and my daughter is currently recovering very well. We are very happy with the results so far.

John Duffey
Google Review

Dr Balkaran was amazing. She put me at ease and was extremely helpful and knowledgeable about my foot. She helped me get the right equipment to help me. She is Great!

Donna Rider
Google Review

Dr. Balkarran and her staff are professional, efficient, and thorough. There is a positive atmosphere and even with the COVID pandemic, safety precautions are kept with kindness and compassion. Thank you!

Mary Glaser
Google Review

I was very pleased with all aspects of my doctor visit. She listened to all my foot problems and had great suggestions. I think it’s helping already. I would definitely recommend this office for any foot issues.

Connie Andrews
Google Review

Dr. Balkaran is amazing! She recently did a complex surgery on my husband’s foot. Dr. Balkaran suggested an implant opposed to another surgery recommendation by another well-known doctor. It’s been 5 weeks and he is getting around pretty well with a boot. She is very thorough and takes her time with each patient. I will warn you, she runs behind on her schedule consistently but that is due to the time she spends with each of her patients.

opening hours

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 5:00 pm
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
8:00 am – 2:00 pm
Answering Service
Answering Service

GET IN TOUCH

1865 Nightingale Lane
Suite A
Tavares, Florida, 32778
[email protected]
Fax: 352-385-7719