Innovators in Medicine: Foot and Ankle Specialist Barrow Says Don’t Give Up Lifestyle — or Fashion!

Ashkan Roayaee
Innovators in Medicine: Foot and Ankle Specialist Barrow Says Don’t Give Up Lifestyle — or Fashion!

Dr. Vanessa Barrow

Specialist in Regenerative and Aesthetic Medicine and Surgery of the Foot and Ankle

(Makeup: Kristin Jones-Coyle of Perfect Pout Houston)

Why did you choose this area of medicine? I wanted to change the face and perception of the specialty. I wanted to make a difference by offering more options to patients that would allow them to live the lifestyle they wanted.


In what way have you been an innovator? I am the only foot and ankle specialist in the Houston metro area offering both alternative customized Aesthetic and Regenerative options for patients with foot and ankle pain. Many times patients are never offered or even aware of these alternative options and are often told to give up their lifestyle of fitness or fashion.

What is most rewarding about your work? Being able to see patients get back to doing what makes them happy and live the life they want again. I understand wanting to be active because I live that life as well, so treating my patients becomes more personal to me.

What do you hope your patients tell others about you? I hope that patients continue to tell others that they have more options for living the life they want. To be active, pain free and live their best life again...

How did you get to where you are today? A few key principles integrated into my life: setting clear goals, maintaining a growth mindset, building strong habits, and surrounding myself with the right people. Goals provided direction, while a growth mindset helped me turn challenges into opportunities for learning. Consistent habits, like disciplined work and effective communication, kept me moving forward. Being surrounded by motivated, supportive individuals has elevated my standards and kept me accountable. They’ve provided advice, encouragement, and sometimes that extra push I needed to stay on track. With these elements, I’ve been able to create a framework that helps me succeed and ensures I continue to grow and evolve.

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