Photography by Lucas Purvis
The name of this well-known podiatry practice says it all. Austin Happy Feet brings a smile to your face before you even walk through the doors.
Dr. Randy Lisch opened the medical office in 1983. “A few years later, one of my patients – Melody, who worked for a local television station – suggested that I advertise on her station,” he says.
Good thing he listened to Melody. “She told me that she would help with a campaign that would fit my personality, and together, we came up with Austin Happy Feet.”
In 1998, Dr. Harvey Lisch joined the practice. “The best thing about two brothers working together is that we get to see each other every day,” Randy says. “It is also very helpful that we share the same philosophy on treatment.”
They both agree that patients can feel very comfortable knowing they are in good hands when one of the brothers is out of town. The proof is in the practice’s extremely satisfied patient testimonials.
Either one of the brotherly team will make sure you walk out of the office differently than you walked into the office. You will be pain-free – and most likely wearing a smile.
As of June 2011, “we were the first physicians to purchase the new Cutera laser for treatment of toenail fungus, scars and warts,” Randy says. “This is the most effective laser on the market due to its bigger focal spot (the area that it will cover with one pass of the laser and shorter time for treatment).
“This 20-minute procedure is painless, as the patient will actually put their shoes on after the procedure, and may return to their normal activity or work.”
Also having wonderful success in decreasing and/or eradicating the size of scars leads to a much better cosmetic appearance to and feeling of a scar in the patient’s foot.
Cutera has been making lasers for facial treatment for many years, and “we are grateful that Cutera, with over 10 years of experience, decided to perfect a laser that can be used for the foot.”
Both doctors have performed several hundred of these procedures since its inception. “It is so wonderful to see the happy look on the patient’s face with excitement that they now have normal-looking feet with toenails that are not embarrassing to reveal in public.”
This is certainly a much-welcomed technique in Austin, because for a greater part of the year, both women and men wear sandals or open-toe shoes. Ladies: An added bonus is that you can apply nail polish immediately after, if you so desire.
“I am so happy with the procedure,” says Shannon Flett, one of the first patients to receive the laser treatment from Randy. “It was painless, and now my toe looks normal. I have been a patient for six years, and from the entire office staff to the greatest doctors, I feel that they more than live up to their name.”
Ironically, Flett admits she just recently discovered that the Lischs’ practice was called Austin Happy Feet. She is, indeed, one of many patients who tout these doctors’ professional and caring ways.
Originally from Buffalo, N.Y., the doctors have excellent credentials with similar histories. They both attended pharmacy school after college.
Randy then continued to study podiatric medicine and performed his residency at Thorek Hospital and Medical Center in Chicago. He moved to Texas soon after.
“I opened my practice here, and I have never left the Lone Star State.” Being from upstate New York, Randy adds, “that should answer the question of why we are here in Austin, Texas.”
Harvey graduated from the same school as his older brother with a pharmacy degree. “I was a practicing pharmacist in Buffalo and Cleveland, Ohio, for seven years,” he says. “In 1990, I went on to podiatry school. In 1998, I moved to Texas and joined Randy and the Lone Star State.”
Their profession seems to run in the family. Two children of six, two of their siblings are also physicians, and they have a sister who is a pharmacist. This is an impressive family legacy that began with their father, who was a pharmacist, as well.
This is one family where genetics and environmental factors merged into shaping their life paths in the same direction. How lucky we are.
“The part of the practice that I enjoy the most is the smile on a patient’s face when I can help eliminate their foot pain,” Randy says. “Whether it be by surgical or conservative means, they know we will help them return to a normal lifestyle. I like to work with patients [who] have a foot problem and ensure that they feel better before they leave the office.”
Harvey reiterates that their main priority is quality patient care from the office staff and the doctors themselves.
Sandra Valdez has worked with the doctors for more than 20 years as the schedule coordinator. She laughs.
“My youth is gone. But I am still here because this is my second home – or rather, my other home. In all the years that I have been here, the doctors have never been in a bad mood.
“I believe that Happy Feet’s philosophy is not just what the physicians have perfected, but the staff, as well. It’s all about the patient. They are not just a number, and they know it. All of us listen to them, and that makes a big difference in patient care.”
Tammy Dillo, also with the practice for two decades, agrees with Valdez. Her experience and know-how add to making the patients feel comfortable.
Taking great pride in the fact that both doctors are very good diagnosticians, Randy says, “With our multiple years of experience, it becomes very useful in solving and helping a person with their foot condition or problem.”
The medical community knows that patient referrals are the biggest compliment you can get. “Most of our present patients to the office are from other happy patients or physicians in town [who] insist that they only see one of us for their foot problem.”
Randy shares stories that are full of fun and wisdom. The greatness seen in this doctor can be found in his outlook on life and his keen sense of humor.
Both doctors treat a multitude of foot problems. From fungus toenails, plantar fasciitis, ingrown toenails and bunionectomies to neuromas, warts, athlete’s foot, gout and foot fractures, they always leave daily openings in their schedule for emergencies.
Further helping meet their patients’ needs, the office hours have been extended. Starting the day at 7 a.m. and running until 5 p.m. most days of the week, the doctors are more than accommodating.
Combine that with the fact that they accept most insurance plans and offer CareCredit. “This is a simple process that will help our patients split their payments for procedures into six portions.”
This team obviously runs a proactive practice that advocates for the patient. “In every way possible, we try to make this cost effective, and we avoid unnecessary costs,” Randy says.
To this day, a lot of patients tell the doctors and staff that the name is perfect for the practice. The fun part is “when we ask what we can do for them, they say that they want happy feet! You’ve just got to love it.”
The doctors and staff go out of their way to help each patient have a pleasant experience.
Future plans for adding a third doctor to the office within the next few years are in the works. “We hope to continue to be a great service to the Austin area.”
Leaving no doubt that they will, their patients are living proof that feet can smile, too.
Drs. Randy and Harvey Lisch are both board-certified in foot surgery.
Austin Happy Feet is located at 9012 Research Blvd., Ste. C-13, Austin, Texas 78758. For more information, call 512-450-0101, or visit www.austinhappyfeet.com.
