Bruce K. Foster, MD
Dr. Bruce K. Foster’s distinguished career in pediatric orthopaedics spans more than four decades, marked by contributions in clinical care, research, education, and leadership. A dedicated surgeon, mentor, and innovator, he has played a pivotal role in advancing pediatric orthopaedic care in Australia and internationally.
Dr. Foster earned his medical degree (MBBS) from the University of Adelaide in 1974, followed by orthopaedic training through the Australian Orthopaedic Association program. He completed a research fellowship at the Alfred I. duPont Institute in Wilmington, DE, under the mentorship of Dr. Charles Hartzell and Dr. G. Dean MacEwen. This formative experience set the foundation for his lifelong commitment to pediatric orthopaedic research and education.
In 1981, Dr. Foster began his clinical and academic career at Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) in Adelaide, where he helped develop outreach programs providing pediatric orthopaedic services to rural and remote communities, including the Northern Territory. His work with Indigenous Australian populations highlighted the challenges of delayed presentations and complex pathologies, shaping his dedication to improving access to specialized care.
Dr. Foster’s research contributions include an MD thesis on physeal growth and repair, inspired by his work on Perthes disease and growth disturbances. He co-authored studies demonstrating patterns of physeal arrest, influencing treatment approaches for avascular necrosis and related conditions. He has also been instrumental in the development of limb lengthening techniques, collaborating with German surgeons and industry partners on the Fitbone device, an innovative motorized intramedullary nail for limb reconstruction.
A passionate educator, Dr. Foster served as Director of Fellowship Training at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, mentoring numerous international fellows and orthopaedic trainees. His commitment to medical education extended to his role as an examiner for the FRACS, where he helped shape curriculum development and assessment methodologies. His leadership in training was recognized with an Australian Orthopaedic Association award for contributions to orthopaedic education.
Dr. Foster’s dedication to advancing pediatric orthopaedics has extended beyond Australia through international collaborations and leadership roles. As an ABC Traveling Fellow in 1988, he fostered global connections, including a career-defining sabbatical at the University of Western Ontario with Dr. R. Baxter Willis. He was a founding member and past president of the Australian Paediatric Orthopaedic Society (APOS) and has been actively involved in international organizations such as IPOTT and the International Hip Dysplasia Institute (IHDI).
In 1991, he established the Bone Growth Foundation, later renamed the Bone Health Foundation, to support research into physeal repair mechanisms. The foundation’s work has been bolstered by high-profile fundraising efforts, including an exhibition tennis event that featured Sir Cliff Richard. For his contributions to research and education, Dr. Foster was honored as a candidate for Australian of the Year in 2007 and received the Order of Australia (AM) in 2011.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Foster enjoys a rich personal life with his wife, Penny, a former anesthetist and pain medicine specialist. Together, they have embraced retirement with a busy schedule filled with family, travel, and an array of recreational pursuits, including game fishing, cycling, woodworking, and winemaking. A lifelong sports enthusiast and former representative rugby player, he remains a devoted fan of the Wallabies, even in the face of strong competition from the All Blacks and Springboks.
Dr. Foster’s long-standing involvement with POSNA, beginning with an invitation to the 1981 meeting in Nashville, has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his career. Recognizing the society’s leadership in research, education, and clinical excellence, he values the collegiality and opportunities it has provided. His induction into the POSNA Hall of Fame is a testament to his enduring impact on pediatric orthopaedics worldwide.
Biography written by Dr. Zachary Meyer on behalf of the History & Hall of Fame Committee
