Dr. Douglas Foster

It is with profound sorrow and a deep sense of loss that we announce the passing of Dr. Douglas Chadwick Foster, who entered into eternal rest on November 3, 2024. Born on April 5, 1949, in El Dorado, Kansas, Doug lived a fulfilling life, marked by an unwavering dedication to service, a brave and strong spirit, and a heart full of kindness and compassion. Over the course of his 75 years, he left an indelible impact on countless lives, both through his work as a surgeon and his personal relationships. "The good physician treats the disease; the great physician treats the patient who has the disease." This quote by William Osler captures the essence of Doug's approach to his medical practice. His work was his passion, and his dedication to his patients was unmatched.

Professionally, Dr. Foster was a successful, board-certified general surgeon for over two decades. He completed his medical degree at Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1986. He then went to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to complete his surgical residency at Community General Osteopathic Hospital with additional residency training in Pediatric Surgery at Geisinger Medical Center and Breast Oncology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering in New York and entered private practice in 1991 in Ardmore, OK. He retired from his career in 2019 at Oklahoma State University College of Medicine as Professor in the Department of Surgery where he served as Chair of the Department and was instrumental in growing the department to where it is today.

Dr. Foster was a Fellow in the American College of Surgeons, which is a prestigious designation for a surgeon who has committed themselves to the practice of surgery, surgical teaching, authorship of professional papers, and participation in local, state, and national organizations. Dr. Foster had the pleasure of hooding several other surgeons as they received their designation which was an esteemed honor bestowed upon him by those whom he trained.

He was a member of the American Osteopathic Association and was working on writing "The History of Surgery at Oklahoma Osteopathic Hospital". He was also a member of the Oklahoma Osteopathic Association.

He was named Outstanding Educator in 2004 by the Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine which reflects his love of teaching residents and students.

Doug was not defined solely by his professional achievements. He was also a loving husband and father, and a cherished friend. In his free time, he enjoyed the tranquility of ranching and took great pride in his angus cattle. His deep faith was evident in his active involvement in the First Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK.

Doug is survived by his loving wife, Mary Foster, son, Westin Foster, daughter, Chalet Miller and husband, Jeff, brother, Tracy Foster and wife, Nancy, his grandchildren, Avery and husband, Garrett, Gibson and wife, Anna, Larson, Bryson, and great grandchildren, Theodore, Joahna, and Dean as well as a host of nieces, nephews and family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Merle and Billye Foster and his great granddaughter, Susanna Jubilee.

His memory will be celebrated at a memorial service on Monday, November 11, 2024, at 2:00 pm CST at the First Baptist Tulsa, 420 South Detroit Avenue, Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74120.

In an effort to honor his love for teaching the family has established an endowed scholarship. This was developed as a way to carry on dedication to the Department of Surgery residency. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following:

Donations by check:
Make check out to "OSU Foundation"
On memo line include: 31-42710 or Douglas C Foster, D.O. General Surgery Excellence Fund
Mail to:
OSU Foundation
Attn Mindy Frech
700 N Greenwood Ave.
Tulsa, OK 74106-0702

Donations online:
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We invite you to share your memories of Douglas and upload photos to his memorial page, as a tribute to a life well-lived. In these times of grief, may these shared memories serve as a beacon of hope, a testament to his beautiful life, and a reminder of the love he had for us all.