HMC Health Acquires Family Foot Center in Sugar Land, Texas

HOUSTON, TEXAS, September 19, 2026 – HMC Medical Associates, PLLC, doing business as HMC Health and Houston Medical Clinic, has come into definitive agreement to acquire the assets of Family Foot Center, PLLC in Sugar Land, Texas, effective October 1, 2026.

Dr. Irene Hernaez, DPM, podiatrist of Family Foot Center, PLLC has served the Sugar Land / Fort Bend County for two decades.  All podiatry / foot and ankle patients may continue their care with HMC Health and make an appointment by calling 713-272-6688 or visiting the website hmchealth.life or houstonmedicalclinic.com.  Referring partners may fax 713-271-6689.

Since 2002, Houston Medical Clinic, a multi-specialty practice, has served the Southwest Houston community.  Founded by a renowned burn specialist, it has now evolved into the expert center for musculoskeletal-focused concerns, combining sports medicine / weight care (Dr. Kevin Lyu, MD), foot and ankle surgery (Dr. Bright Chen, DPM), physical therapy (Dr. H Sean Chen, PT, DPT), and holistic wellness.

“I have personally known and worked with Dr. Hernaez since 2011 and wish her best in her next ventures,” says Dr. Bright Chen, DPM, FACPM, board certified foot and ankle surgeon at HMC Health.

While the Houston Methodist Sugar Land location is being transitioned and finalized, patients may be seen at the main clinic, Houston Medical Clinic, in Southwest Houston at Bellaire Blvd and Sam Houston Tollway, just 15 minutes away, at 9889 Bellaire Blvd Ste E219A, Houston, TX, 77036.  Rear direct access garage is behind Building E.

Dr. Bright Chen, DPM, FACPM, board-certified surgical podiatrist, has been in practice since 2013 with broad experience in general, diabetic, and geriatric podiatry, podiatric dermatology/laser treatments, along with foot and ankle surgical reconstruction.  Dr. Chen completed podiatric medicine and surgery residency and reconstructive rearfoot and ankle surgery credential at HCA Houston Healthcare West.  He is a graduate of the Samuel Merritt College of Podiatric Medicine and University of California, Berkeley. More information regarding Dr. Bright Chen here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Patients of Dr. Hernaez / Family Foot Center:

Q: How do make an appointment for podiatry (foot and ankle) beginning October 1, 2026?

A: Please call (713) 272-6688 to make an appointment or visit houstonmedicalclinic.com to request an appointment online.

Q: Will I need to register with the new practice? 

A: Yes, please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment, so that we can get you registered and verify your insurance with the new practice.  You can download, print and pre-fill our registration forms here

Q: Can I continue going to the Houston Methodist Sugar Land location?

A: As of 09/19/2026, the Houston Methodist Sugar Land location is still being transitioned and pending.  Patients are requested to go to the main office at 9889 Bellaire Blvd, Ste E219A, Houston, TX 77036.

Q: I would like to request my records.  What is the process?

Please email office@ houstonmedicalclinic.com or fax 713-271-6689 for written request for records.  Please specify date range requested.  We may verify identity according to privacy laws. There is an administrative flat fee of $25 for paper copies or digital copy, $8 for each x-ray image; x-ray images will be sent digitally only.

Q: I am attempting to contact Dr. Irene Hernaez, Family Foot Center, PLLC for other reasons other than for patient care.  Who do I contact?

HMC Health is not liable for any business or professional activity under Dr. Irene Hernaez, Family Foot Center, PLLC.  We will not respond to any inquiry in any other matter except to continue medical and podiatry care for the patients under the previous practice.