Brian Foster, MD

Brian Foster, MD

Dr. Brian Foster, MD, developed an interest in medicine at an early age, inspired by his father, a dedicated general surgeon. Observing his father during weekend rounds and overnight on-call shifts, Dr. Foster was captivated by the dynamic environment of a level one trauma center and by the compassionate bedside manner his father demonstrated. Outside the hospital, Dr. Foster witnessed the profound impact his father had on patients, often receiving heartfelt gratitude from those he helped during their times of vulnerability. These formative experiences instilled in Dr. Foster a desire to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Committed to pursuing a career in medicine, Dr. Foster shaped his educational path accordingly and gained hands-on experience as a nursing assistant in a college intensive care unit. This role provided him with valuable insight into the collaborative nature of patient care and the importance of teamwork in clinical settings.

Upon earning his medical degree, Dr. Foster completed his residency, where he was exposed to various subspecialties of orthopedic surgery. He developed a particular interest in hand surgery while treating numerous hand injuries in both emergency and operating rooms. Through these experiences, Dr. Foster recognized the significant impact hands have on daily function and how the repair of hand injuries and deformities can dramatically improve a patient’s quality of life.

Dr. Foster’s commitment to hand surgery was further reinforced during a medical mission trip to Vietnam, where he operated on children with diverse hand conditions, including syndactyly associated with Apert Syndrome and ulnar nerve deficiencies resulting from trauma. By restoring form and function to these children’s hands, Dr. Foster and his team were able to add a new dimension to their lives.

As a hand and upper extremity surgeon at OrthoIllinois, a division of OrthoMidwest, Dr. Foster’s approach to patient care centers on effective communication. He evaluates and treats a wide range of disorders, including traumatic, degenerative, congenital, and rheumatologic conditions. Dr. Foster believes that a vital component of his role is educating patients and their families about diagnoses, treatment options, and expected outcomes, ensuring each patient receives personalized care that considers their unique circumstances.

Dr. Foster looks forward to guiding patients through the best course of management for their conditions and is dedicated to enhancing their experience at OrthoIllinois. His primary goal is to provide the highest quality medical care available.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE University of Richmond
MEDICAL DEGREE Wayne State University School of Medicine
RESIDENCY Loyola University Medical Center Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
FELLOWSHIP Harvard Hand and Upper Extremity, Brigham and Women’s Hospital / Children’s Hospital

Insurance Questions?

Dr. Foster and OrthoIllinois accept multiple insurance providers. To see a list of insurances accepted click here. Contact your insurance carrier for you specific plan details.

Memberships

  • Board-certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
  • Board-certified Subspecialty in Surgery of the Hand
  • American Society for Surgery of the Hand
  • Assistant Professor, University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford
  • American Association of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)
  • Team Physician for Rockford IceHogs

Hospital Affiliations

  • Advocate Sherman Hospital
  • Algonquin Road Surgery Center
  • Mercyhealth Javon Bea Hospital
  • Northwestern Medicine McHenry / Huntley / Woodstock Hospitals
  • OrthoIllinois Surgery Center
  • OSF Sain Anthony Medical Center
  • UW Health Northern Illinois / SwedishAmerican Hospital
  • Van MAtre Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital