Biographical summary
Trenton R. Foster, M.D., is an endocrine surgeon dedicated to caring for people with complex diseases of the endocrine system. His work centers on thoughtful surgical care that balances technical precision with respect for the human experience behind each diagnosis.
Areas of Expertise
Dr. Foster approaches endocrine surgery with a focus on individualized decision-making, minimally invasive techniques when appropriate, and long-term outcomes. His clinical focus includes:
- Thyroid disease: Comprehensive surgical management of thyroid conditions including thyroid nodules, hyperthyroidism, Graves disease, MEN 2, thyroid cancer, pediatric thyroid disorders, and complex multinodular goiter.
- Parathyroid disease: Surgical management of parathyroid conditions including primary, secondary, and tertiary hyperparathyroidism, familial or MEN1 or MEN2 associated primary hyperparathyroidism, parathyroid cancer, and reoperative parathyroidectomy, using standard and minimally invasive parathyroidectomy techniques.
- Diseases of the adrenal gland: Surgical management of adrenal conditions including Cushing syndrome, hypercortisolism, primary aldosteronism, aldosteronoma, pheochromocytoma, adrenal cancer, and pediatric adrenal disorders.
- Endocrine pancreas tumors: Surgical management for disorders of the endocrine pancreas including functional pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, insulinoma, gastrinoma, and MEN1 associated tumors.
- Minimally invasive techniques: Use of minimally invasive, robotic, and laparoscopic techniques when appropriate to reduce complications and support faster recovery, while maintaining excellent outcomes.
Research and Education
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Foster remains actively engaged in research aimed at improving surgical techniques and outcomes for individuals with endocrine disease. His academic involvement reflects a commitment to continual learning, collaboration, and progress in the field of endocrine surgery. As Program Director for the Comprehensive Endocrine Surgery Fellowship, he plays an important role in educating and mentoring fellows and helps to shape thoughtful, skilled surgeons who carry forward a tradition of compassionate, high-quality care.
Conditions treated
Procedures performed
Interests
- Surgical management of diseases of the endocrine system
Mayo Clinic locations
Education
- 2020
FellowEndocrine Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
- 2019
ResidencyYale University School of Medicine
- 2012
MDUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
- 2008
BSUniversity of Wisconsin
Activities and honors
Certifications
- 2020
General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
Awards and honors
- 2025
Focused Practice Designation: Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
- 2019
The Dennis Wasson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Graduating Chief Resident, Department of SurgeryYale University
- 2016
SVS Foundation Resident Research PrizeSociety for Vascular Surgery Foundation
- 2016
Department of Surgery Best Basic Science Research AwardYale University
- 2016
Resident Research Forum Basic Science AwardYale Surgical Society
- 2016
Best Basic Science AwardVirginia Surgeons
- 2015
Resident Travel ScholarshipSociety for Vascular Surgery
- 2007
Golden Key National Honor SocietyUniversity of Wisconsin
- 2004
Dean's ListUniversity of Wisconsin
Professional memberships
- 2025 - present
MemberBelonging Committee
- 2025 - present
MemberSurgical Quality Committee
- 2025 - present
Committee Member, Education CommitteeAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
- 2025 - present
Associate Program DirectorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2024
Recruitment EventsGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2024 - present
MemberStudent National Medical Association
- 2024 - present
MemberAssociation of Program Directors in Surgery
- 2023 - present
Chair, Clinical Competency CommitteeGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2023 - present
MemberMayo Clinic Department of Surgery Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) and Well-Being Committee
- 2023
Recruitment EventsGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2023 - present
MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
- 2022 - present
Faculty LiaisonGeneral Surgery Residency Program Wellness Committee
- 2022 - present
Recruitment ChairGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2022
Advisor Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Medical Student Mentorship Program
- 2021 - present
Associate Program DirectorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2021 - present
Associate Director of Student Clerkships Programs, Department of General SurgeryMayo Clinic School of Medicine
- 2021 - present
Core MemberMayo Clinic General Surgery Residency Program Evaluation Committee
- 2021 - 2024
Committee MemberAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
- 2020 - present
Class AdvisorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
- 2020 - present
MemberAmerican Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
- 2019 - present
MemberYale Surgical Society
- 2019 - present
MemberMayo Fellows Association
- 2018 - present
MemberAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
- 2017 - present
MemberNew England Surgical Society
- 2015 - 2017
RepresentativeYale University Graduate Medical Education Committee
- 2015 - 2016
Resident Grant ReviewerYale University OHSE Research Committee
- 2015 - 2016
MemberYale University Section of Surgical Education - Resident Research Committee
- 2014 - 2024
MemberAssociation for Academic Surgery
- 2011 - present
FellowAmerican College of Surgeons
Publications
Research activities