Foster to deliver keynote speech during WVSOM graduation

LEWISBURG, W.Va. (WVDN) – The West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine (WVSOM) will welcome Robert “Bob” Foster, D.O., as its keynote speaker during the school’s 46^th annual commencement ceremony.

Foster, who is WVSOM’s assistant dean for osteopathic medical education and an iconic administrator at the school known for his ubiquitous cowboy hat, will deliver the speech during the 2 p.m., May 5, ceremony on the WVSOM campus in Lewisburg.

Foster is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative medicine. His family practice included obstetrics and emergency medicine, and he was the first D.O. to practice at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Ronceverte. He was medical examiner for Greenbrier County for 38 years and worked at the Greenbrier Manor nursing home, rural clinics in Williamsburg and Hillsboro, as well as Alderson Maximum Security Federal Penitentiary for Women, West Virginia Maximum Security Prison for Women at Pence Springs and Anthony Correctional Center. Additionally, Foster served for many years as medical director of the Alderson rescue squads and as medical director of the Fairlea and White Sulphur Springs rescue squads.

Foster led WVSOM-sponsored paramedic courses in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Additionally, he has served on the boards of numerous local, state and national organizations and spent 11 years on the West Virginia Licensing Board for Osteopathic Physicians, serving as president during his final three years.

His teaching career includes human anatomy, radiology, cardiac and pulmonary auscultation, physical diagnosis, osteopathic diagnosis and manipulative treatment, spirituality in medicine and clinical nutrition. Foster has been awarded seven Golden Key awards for teaching and three President’s Outstanding Faculty Awards. Additional awards include West Virginia Osteopathic Physician of the Year, the West Virginia Osteopathic Medical Association’s Mountaineer Address Award and the West Virginia Rural Health Association’s Outstanding Rural Health Provider Award.

He served as WVSOM’s associate dean for clinical education in charge of clinical experiences for third- and fourth-year students at hospitals and clinics.

WVSOM’s commencement ceremony will be available to view live at www.wvsom.edu.