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Trenton R. Foster, M.D.

  1. Endocrine Surgeon

Location

  1. Rochester, Minnesota

Languages

English

Appointments

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.

  1. Adrenalectomy
  2. Laparoscopic surgery
  3. Lateral neck dissection
  4. Minimally invasive adrenal surgery
  5. Minimally invasive parathyroidectomy
  6. Pancreatectomy
  7. Pancreatic enucleation
  8. Parathyroidectomy
  9. Robotic surgery
  10. Thyroid surgery
  11. Thyroidectomy
  • Surgical management of diseases of the endocrine system
  1. 2020
    FellowEndocrine Surgery, Programs in Rochester, Mayo School of Graduate Medical Education, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine
  2. 2019
    ResidencyYale University School of Medicine
  3. 2012
    MDUniversity of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health
  4. 2008
    BSUniversity of Wisconsin

Certifications

  1. 2020
    General SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery

Awards and honors

  1. 2025
    Focused Practice Designation: Adult Complex Thyroid and Parathyroid SurgeryAmerican Board of Surgery
  2. 2019
    The Dennis Wasson, M.D. Award for Outstanding Graduating Chief Resident, Department of SurgeryYale University
  3. 2016
    SVS Foundation Resident Research PrizeSociety for Vascular Surgery Foundation
  4. 2016
    Department of Surgery Best Basic Science Research AwardYale University
  5. 2016
    Resident Research Forum Basic Science AwardYale Surgical Society
  6. 2016
    Best Basic Science AwardVirginia Surgeons
  7. 2015
    Resident Travel ScholarshipSociety for Vascular Surgery
  8. 2007
    Golden Key National Honor SocietyUniversity of Wisconsin
  9. 2004
    Dean's ListUniversity of Wisconsin

Professional memberships

  1. 2025 - present
    MemberBelonging Committee
  2. 2025 - present
    MemberSurgical Quality Committee
  3. 2025 - present
    Committee Member, Education CommitteeAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
  4. 2025 - present
    Associate Program DirectorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  5. 2024
    Recruitment EventsGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  6. 2024 - present
    MemberStudent National Medical Association
  7. 2024 - present
    MemberAssociation of Program Directors in Surgery
  8. 2023 - present
    Chair, Clinical Competency CommitteeGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  9. 2023 - present
    MemberMayo Clinic Department of Surgery Equity, Inclusion, and Diversity (EID) and Well-Being Committee
  10. 2023
    Recruitment EventsGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  11. 2023 - present
    MemberSociety of Surgical Oncology
  12. 2022 - present
    Faculty LiaisonGeneral Surgery Residency Program Wellness Committee
  13. 2022 - present
    Recruitment ChairGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  14. 2022
    Advisor Mayo Clinic School of Medicine, Medical Student Mentorship Program
  15. 2021 - present
    Associate Program DirectorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  16. 2021 - present
    Associate Director of Student Clerkships Programs, Department of General SurgeryMayo Clinic School of Medicine
  17. 2021 - present
    Core MemberMayo Clinic General Surgery Residency Program Evaluation Committee
  18. 2021 - 2024
    Committee MemberAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
  19. 2020 - present
    Class AdvisorGeneral Surgery Residency Program
  20. 2020 - present
    MemberAmerican Association of Clinical Endocrinologists
  21. 2019 - present
    MemberYale Surgical Society
  22. 2019 - present
    MemberMayo Fellows Association
  23. 2018 - present
    MemberAmerican Association of Endocrine Surgeons
  24. 2017 - present
    MemberNew England Surgical Society
  25. 2015 - 2017
    RepresentativeYale University Graduate Medical Education Committee
  26. 2015 - 2016
    Resident Grant ReviewerYale University OHSE Research Committee
  27. 2015 - 2016
    MemberYale University Section of Surgical Education - Resident Research Committee
  28. 2014 - 2024
    MemberAssociation for Academic Surgery
  29. 2011 - present
    FellowAmerican College of Surgeons

Publications

Research activities

See a description of research activities.