Henry W. Foster

A man of substance, grace, and wisdom, Dr. Henry Foster has traveled an admirable path. From his early days in the rural South to national acclaim as an educator and physician, he has dedicated his professional life to providing healthcare for those who cannot afford it, and improving quality of life for women and children.

Former Senior Advisor on Teen Pregnancy Reduction and Youth Issues to President Clinton, and once the embattled US Surgeon General nominee, Dr. Foster is recognized for his work in obstetrics and gynecology, having developed a national model for providing prenatal and postnatal care to thousands of poor families.

As the innovator of the pioneering I Have a Future program, Dr. Foster expanded adolescent healthcare programs from beyond the schools into the community where they could becoming a part of the fabric of everyday life. Its message promoting prevention, self-esteem, and positive life choices for at-risk teens was incredibly successful, earning recognition by President George Bush as one of the “Thousand Points of Light.”

In his popular book, Make a Difference, Dr. Foster makes it clear just how much commitment and hard work is required to reach success, but also stresses how fulfilling it can be working towards it. Dr. Foster deeply understands medicine’s social role, and offers a caring, no-nonsense approach to crucial issues affecting teens and families.

“Social justice and healthcare are interdependent,” he has said, “Americans must come to grips with their responsibility. Healthcare is not a privilege, it’s a right.”

An elegant and compassionate speaker, Dr. Foster has truly made a difference in communities across the nation and draws audiences into his heartfelt concern for the health and wellbeing of families everywhere.