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Harris E. Foster Jr, MD

Professor of Urology

Contact Information

Harris E. Foster Jr, MD

Patient Care Locations

Mailing Address

  • Urology

    PO Box 208058

    New Haven, CT 06520-8058

    United States

Appointments

Biography

Clinical Interests: Female urology, urodynamics, neurogenic bladder, male and female urinary incontinence, interstitial cystitis; voiding dysfunction; benign prostatic hyperplasia, erectile dysfunction, urologic cancers.

Dr. Harris E. Foster Jr. is board certified in urology and has specialized interests in voiding dysfunction and female urology. Particular to this area include treatment of female and male urinary incontinence, neurogenic bladder, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), interstitial cystitis, urethral diverticula and vesicovaginal fisulae. In addition, Dr. Foster treats general urological conditions such as kidney stones, erectile dysfunction, prostate cancer, superficial bladder cancer, and benign conditions involving the scrotum (hydrocele, epididymal cyst). He also performs circumcision and vasectomy in patients who desire these procedures. Dr. Foster has expertise in the evaluation of voiding dysfunction utilizing urodynamics.

Dr. Foster earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. He then graduated with honors from University of Miami School of Medicine, a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha medical honor society. Dr. Foster subsequently completed his urology residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals and joined the faculty at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Foster is Chief of Urology for the Veteran’s Administration Connecticut Healthcare System and is a urology consultant at the Gaylord Rehabilitation Hospital in Wallingford, Conn. and The Hospital for Special Care in New Britain, Connecticut. He also provides urological care at the Yale Health Services. Dr. Foster has received grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to perform clinical trials investigating the pharmacologic and phytotherapeutic treatment of BPH. He was also the chairman for many years of the NIH sponsored Interstitial Cystitis Collaborative Research Network. Dr. Foster was a member of the American Board of Urology Examination Committee and has functioned as an oral board examiner for this organization. He has written numerous research publications and textbook chapters and is a reviewer for many of the major urology journals including The Journal of Urology, Urology, and Neurourology and Urodynamics. Finally, Dr. Foster has been a member of the guidelines committee for the evaluation and treatment of BPH and overactive bladder (OAB) sponsored by the American Urological Association.

Dr. Foster is dedicated to treating patients suffering from urological diseases with a particular focus on those who have voiding dysfunction. He recognizes that although most of these disorders do not affect duration of life, they can in many instances have significant if not devastating effects on quality of life. Despite being a urological surgeon, he fully understands that surgery is not frequently indicated nor is it always the best option for many patients.

Education & Training

  • Resident
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (1992)
  • Resident
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI (1989)
  • MD
    University of Miami (1987)

Activities

  • Update on the Evaluation and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis
    Valhalla, NY, United States 2011
    Presentation at the New York Medical College Department of Urology Grand Rounds Conference
  • "Update on the Evaluation and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis." New York Medical College, Department of Urology Grand Rounds Conference (Visiting Professor)
    New York, United States 2011
    "Update on the Evaluation and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis." New York Medical College, Department of Urology Grand Rounds Conference (Visiting Professor)
  • "A Mini-Symposium in Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Topic: Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis." Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.
    New Haven, CT, United States 2008
    "A Mini-Symposium in Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Topic: Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis." Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences.
  • A Mini-Symposium in Pelvic Floor Disorders: A Multidisciplinary Approach. Topic: Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Interstitial Cystitis.
    New Haven, Connecticut, United States 2008
    Presentation at the Yale School of Medicine at the Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences
  • "Recent advances in the Pharmacologic Treatment of BPH", Northeastern Section of the AUA (2006 Annual Meeting Speaker)
    Ottawa, ON, Canada 2006
    "Recent advances in the Pharmacologic Treatment of BPH", Northeastern Section of the AUA (2006 Annual Meeting Speaker)
  • "The Approach to sexual dystfunction and what doctors can do about it." Yale School of Medicine, Sexuality Workshop for Pre-Clinical Clerkship.
    New Haven, CT, United States 2006
    "The Approach to sexual dystfunction and what doctors can do about it." Yale School of Medicine, Sexuality Workshop for Pre-Clinical Clerkship.
  • "Advances in diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis. Surgical management of complex urinary incontinence in females with neurological disease. Long-term effects of medical therapy for the treatment of PBH: A clinical and basic science perspective." Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Urology Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    Providence, RI, United States 2006
    "Advances in diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis. Surgical management of complex urinary incontinence in females with neurological disease. Long-term effects of medical therapy for the treatment of PBH: A clinical and basic science perspective." Rhode Island Hospital, Brown University, Urology Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • Advances in diagnosis and treatment of interstitial cystitis. Surgical management of complex urinary incontinence in females with neurologic disease. Long-term effects of medical therapy for the treatment of PBH: A clinical and basic science perspective.
    Providence, Rhode Island, United States 2006
    Presentation at the Rhode Island Hospital Urology Grand Rounds
  • “The Approach to sexual dysfunction and what doctors can do about it”.
    New Haven, Connecticut, United States 2006
    Sexuality Workshop for Pre-Clinical Clerkship at the Yale School of Medicine
  • "Advances in interstitial cystitis", AUA Plenary Session 2005 (Moderator)
    San Antonio, TX, United States 2005
    "Advances in interstitial cystitis", AUA Plenary Session 2005 (Moderator)
  • "New concepts in diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis." American Urological Association Annual Meeting (Plenary Session Panel Moderator)
    San Antonio, TX, United States 2005
    "New concepts in diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis." American Urological Association Annual Meeting (Plenary Session Panel Moderator)
  • New concepts in diagnosis and management of interstitial cystitis
    San Antonio, Texas, United States 2005
    Moderator at the Plenary Session at the 2005 American Urological Association Annual Meeting
  • "Treatment of refractory overactive bladder", AUA Plenary Session 2004 (Panelist)
    San Francisco, CA, United States (2004-2005)
    "Treatment of refractory overactive bladder", AUA Plenary Session 2004 (Panelist)
  • Plenary session entitled: "Management of the refractory overactive bladder, Topic: Treatment of refractory overactive bladder." American Urological Association Annual Meeting
    San Francisco, CA, United States 2004
    Plenary session entitled: "Management of the refractory overactive bladder, Topic: Treatment of refractory overactive bladder." American Urological Association Annual Meeting
  • "Medical management of BPH", University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Medical Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    New Jersey, United States 2004
    "Medical management of BPH", University of Medicine and Dentistry New Jersey, Medical Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • "Prostate disease in the year 2004 for the primary care physician." Memorial Hospital, Medical Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    Pawtucket, RI, United States 2004
    "Prostate disease in the year 2004 for the primary care physician." Memorial Hospital, Medical Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • Medical management of BPH
    Newark, NJ, United States 2004
    Presentation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey Medical Grand Rounds
  • Prostate disease in the year 2004 for the primary care physician
    Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States 2004
    Presentation at the Memorial Hospital Medical Grand Rounds
  • Management of the refractory overactive bladder, Topic: Treatment of refractory overactive bladder.
    San Francisco, California, United States 2004
    Plenary Session at the 2004 American Urological Association Annual Meeting
  • "Update on interstitial cystitis." University of Connecticut, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    Hartford, CT, United States 2003
    "Update on interstitial cystitis." University of Connecticut, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • Update on interstitial cystitis
    Hartford, Connecticut, United States 2003
    Presentation at the University of Connecticut Grand Rounds
  • "Advances in the treatment of interstitial cystitis." Howard University/Washington Urological Society, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    Washington, DC, United States 2002
    "Advances in the treatment of interstitial cystitis." Howard University/Washington Urological Society, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • "Interstitial cystitis." Syracuse University, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
    Syracuse, NY, United States 2000
    "Interstitial cystitis." Syracuse University, Grand Rounds (Visiting Professor)
  • Interstitial cystitis.
    Syracuse, New York, United States 2000
    Presentation at the Syracuse University Grand Rounds
  • "Issues in Men's Health in Primary Care." Yale School of Nursing, Yearly lecture/class to Nurse Practitioner students.
    New Haven, CT, United States (1998-2007)
    "Issues in Men's Health in Primary Care." Yale School of Nursing, Yearly lecture/class to Nurse Practitioner students.
  • "Treatment of BPH." St. Mary's Hospital (Visiting Professor)
    Waterbury, CT, United States 1998
    "Treatment of BPH." St. Mary's Hospital (Visiting Professor)
  • Treatment of BPH
    Waterbury, Connecticut, United States 1998
    Presentation at St. Mary's Hospital
  • Issues in Men’s Health in Primary Care
    New Haven, Connecticut, United States 1998
    Yearly lecture/class to Nurse Practitioner students at Yale School of Nursing

Honors & Recognition

AwardAwarding OrganizationDate
Cardura International Competitive Award (for proposal: "The effects of chronic administration of Doxazosin on the rat prostate"1999
Award for Urological TeachingBoehringer-Ingelheim Pharmaceutical Company1999
Cardura International Competitive Award (for proposal: "The effects of chronic administration of Doxazosin on the rat prostate"1998
Alumni ScholarshipUniversity of Miami School of Medicine1987
AOA (Alpha Omega Alpha) National Medical Honor Society1986
Alumni ScholarshipUniversity of Miami School of Medicine1986
George Tershakovic Award (Given to 2nd year medical students with the highest National Board of Medicine score in Biochemistry)University of Miami School of Medicine1985
Alumni ScholarshipUniversity of Miami School of Medicine1985
Alumni ScholarshipUniversity of Miami School of Medicine1984
Alumni ScholarshipUniversity of Miami School of Medicine1983

Professional Service

OrganizationRoleDate
Clinical Competency CommitteeChairperson2012
Program Evaluation CommitteeMember2012
American Urological Association Overactive Bladder (OAB) Guidelines CommitteeMember2009
one time study section for O'Brien Urology Center submissions, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of HealthMember2008
Long Range Planning Committee, New England Section of American Urological AssociationMember2008 - 2009
Peer Review Committee - SCORS, National Institutes of HealthMember2007
American Urological Association Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Guidelines CommitteeMember2007 - 2015
American Board of Urology Oral Examination CommitteeMember2007 - 2012
Study Section, National Institutes of Health Urologic and Kidney Development and Genitourinary Diseases Study Section, Renal and Urological Studies Integrated Review GroupMember2006 - 2010
Study Section, National Institutes of Health Urologic and Kidney Development and Genitourinary Diseases Study Section, Renal and Urological studies Integrated Review GroupMember2005 - 2006
Internet Advisory Committee, American Urological AssociationMember2005 - 2006
Study Section, National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Child Health and Human Development for review of applications for RFA entitled "Epidemiologic research on female pelvic floor disorders."Member2004
National Institutes of Health Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Research Network (ICCRN)Chairperson2003 - 2009
Judicial and Ethics Committee, New England Section of the AUAMember2003 - 2004
National Institutes of Health Bladder Research Progress Review GroupChairperson2001
National Institutes of Health Interstitial Cystitis Clinical Trials Group (ICCTG)Chairperson2001 - 2003
By-Laws Committee, New England Section AUAMember2001 - 2002
Societe Internationale D'UrologieMember1999 - 2015
The Edwin Beer Selection Committee, The New York Academy of MedicineMember1999 - 2004
American Board of Urology Examination CommitteeMember1999 - 2003
New England Section of the AUARepresentative1999 - 2001
American Urological Association Research CommitteeRepresentative1999 - 2001
Female Urology and Neurourology (FUN) GroupMember1998 - 2004
Doxazosin Investigators and Consultants Educational Exchange (DICE)Member1998 - 2003
Sigma Xi Scientific Research SocietyMember1997 - 2015
Society of University UrologistsMember1997 - 2015
Yale Surgical SocietyMember1997 - 2015
Editorial Board, Investigative Urology section in Journal of UrologyMember1997 - 2002
Editorial Board, Investigative Urology Section in Journal of UrologyEditor1997 - 2002
Study Section, National Institutes of Health/Human Genome Research Institute for review of Collaborative Recruitment Centers for African American Hereditary Prostate Cancer Study NetworkMember1997
National Association for ContinenceMember1996 - 2015
Scientific Program Committee, New England Section of the AUAMember1996
Recruitment and Retention Committee for Full Scale NIH-BPH StudyChairperson1996
Connecticut Chapter, Multiple Sclerosis Society Advisory CommitteeMember1995 - 2000
Scientific Program Committee, New England Section of the AUAChairperson1995
New England Section of AUAMember1994 - 2015
Scientific Program Committee, New England Section of the AUAMember1994
Society for Female Urology and Urodynamics/Society for Urodynamics and Female Urology (SUFU)Member1993 - 2015
American Cancer Society (Connecticut Chapter)Member1992 - 2015
Yale Comprehensive Cancer CenterMember1992 - 2015
Resident Selection CommitteeChairperson1992
National Medical AssociationMember1991 - 2015
American Urological Association (AUA)Member1991 - 2015
National Medical Student Association (Vice-President University of Miami School of Medicine chapter 1986-1987)Member1983 - 1987
Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity (President University of Michigan chapter 1982-1983)Member1980 - 2015
GMEC (Graduate Medical Education Committee)Member
Peer Review committee - SCORS, National Institutes of HealthReviewer

Departments & Organizations