Mr Mark Foster

Colonel Mark Foster is a consultant hand and plastic surgeon in Birmingham with expertise in carpal tunnel surgery, ganglion removal, trigger finger release, Dupuytren’s disease, tendon repair, hand infections and soft tissue reconstruction of the hand. He also provides medico-legal opinions and expert witness services.

He sees patients at The Harborne Hospital, The Westbourne Centre and at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, where he also serves as clinical service lead. His practice focuses on restoring hand function, reducing pain and helping patients return to their daily activities as safely and quickly as possible.

Col Foster's professional journey has been defined by a commitment to excellence, progressing from private soldier to Colonel in senior leadership roles. This progression has shaped his values-based leadership approach, fostering collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement in patient care.

During his tenure as Military Clinical Director, Col Foster successfully led a team of 80 consultants through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, ensuring continuity of care while maintaining research activity, including completing a Clinical Trial of an Investigational Medicinal Product (CTIMP). I take pride in fostering a culture that prioritises both patient outcomes and clinician well-being, driving sustainable improvements in service delivery.  

Col Foster completed his medical training at St Andrews and Manchester Universities. His basic surgical training was conducted in Frimley Park, Bristol and Johanesburg, before completing higher surgical training in the West Midlands. He holds a PhD from the University of Birmingham on steroids and immunity from injury through to rehabilitation, reflecting his academic interest in trauma recovery. His qualifications include MB ChB, BSc, MRCS, DMCC, FRCS (Plast) and he is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England.

He regularly treats conditions affecting the hand and wrist, including tendon and nerve injuries, soft tissue reconstruction, infection management and surgery for degenerative and inflammatory conditions. His expertise also includes complex reconstructive procedures and revision surgery following previous operations or trauma.

Col Foster actively involved in teaching and research, supervising clinical studies in trauma physiology and contributing to the training of junior surgeons. He lectures at the University of Birmingham and is committed to improving surgical pathways and patient experience.

Col Foster is a member of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) and holds FRCS(Eng). His approach combines technical skill with clear communication and compassionate care, ensuring each patient feels supported and involved in their treatment plan.