Mr Mark Foster

Col Mark Foster, FRCS (Plast) Consultant Hand and Plastic Surgeon Col Mark Foster is a fellowship-trained consultant hand and plastic surgeon with extensive experience in managing complex hand trauma and upper extremity injuries. Based at University Hospitals Birmingham (UHB), he leads a busy hand trauma practice, regularly performing procedures such as carpal tunnel decompression, ganglion excision, trigger finger and trigger thumb release, Dupuytren’s contracture and revision Dupuytren’s procedures, as well as scar revision and excision of skin lesions on the upper limb. His expertise ranges from treating acute injuries to advanced reconstructive surgery, always with a strong focus on restoring function, independence, and quality of life. In addition to his clinical work, Col Mark holds key leadership roles within UHB. As Clinical Service Lead for Day Surgery, he has helped improve patient pathways, establish new surgical centres, and optimise theatre efficiency. He believes that compassionate leadership and close teamwork are essential to delivering excellent care and a positive patient experience. Col Mark is also a committed academic and researcher with a particular interest in trauma physiology and clinical trials. He has developed research systems that integrate data collection into everyday clinical practice, enabling continuous improvement in treatment and outcomes. His work includes studies on the body’s immune-endocrine response to injury, including research into DHEA supplementation in trauma patients. He is a strong advocate for making research part of routine healthcare delivery. A dedicated educator, Col Mark regularly lectures at the University of Birmingham and teaches trainees at all stages of their careers. He is passionate about developing supportive, inclusive teams and encouraging innovation across the multidisciplinary workforce. Beyond the hospital, Col Mark supports rehabilitation initiatives for people living with serious injuries, including his involvement with the charity Diving With The Injured , which enables individuals to experience the physical and psychological benefits of scuba diving as part of recovery. He has also appeared as a military surgeon in the Channel 5 documentary series Surgeons: A Matter of Life or Death , providing viewers with an insight into the realities of major trauma care. Col Mark is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (RCSEng) and the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (RCPSG), and an active member of the British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH). When not in the operating theatre or research environment, Col Mark continues to work on initiatives that improve patient care, recovery, and surgical services across trauma and day-surgery pathways.

Col Mark Foster specialises in the treatment of hand and upper limb conditions, with particular expertise in complex hand trauma and reconstructive surgery. His practice covers the full spectrum of care — from common problems such as carpal tunnel syndrome, trigger finger, ganglion cysts and Dupuytren’s disease, to severe injuries requiring intricate reconstruction to restore movement, strength and sensation. A key focus of Col Mark’s work is helping patients regain function and independence after injury or long-standing conditions. He has extensive experience managing difficult or recurrent cases, including revision surgery for Dupuytren’s contracture and scar problems affecting the hand and forearm. He also performs procedures for skin lesions and soft-tissue conditions of the upper limb. Drawing on a background in major trauma care and reconstructive surgery, Col Mark takes a holistic approach to treatment — considering not only the technical aspects of surgery but also rehabilitation, long-term outcomes, and the patient’s personal goals. His aim is always to achieve the best possible functional recovery, enabling patients to return to work, hobbies, and everyday activities with confidence.