From hospital rounds with her father as a child to mentoring the next generation of Black doctors, Dr. Joy Foster’s journey is a powerful reminder of why community matters in medicine.
In this member spotlight, we’re honored to share the journey of Dr. Joy Foster, a diagnostic radiologist, passionate advocate for women’s health, and a past president of our organization. From her father’s legacy in the Great Migration to her own decades-long career in medicine, Dr. Foster’s story is a testament to resilience, community, and purpose.
Sinkler Miller Medical Association: What first inspired you to pursue a career in medicine?
Dr. Joy Foster: My father was a surgeon and one of the people featured in The Warmth of Other Suns. His story of migrating from Louisiana really shaped me. He used to take me with him to the hospital when I was young, which you can’t do now because of compliance rules. But back then, I saw medicine up close. I also loved math, and those two things came together for me.
SMMA: What was your experience like as a Black woman entering medicine?
Dr. Foster: I was often one of the first or only Black students in my school—starting in elementary all the way through college and medical school. I went to Mills College, then Bryn Mawr, both women’s colleges. That helped me build leadership skills and appreciate the power of female mentorship, even when there weren’t many students of color around. But the isolation was real. That’s why finding Sinkler Miller was so important.
SMMA: How did you get involved with Sinkler Miller?
Dr. Foster: I moved to the Bay Area and a patient actually told me about Sinkler Miller. He had been referred by Dr. Warren Strudwick. When I joined, it felt like coming home. That’s what our organization does. It breaks the isolation so many Black physicians feel. It gives you a place to belong, to lean on each other, and to give back.
SMMA: What does mentorship mean to you?
Dr. Foster: It means everything. One story I’ll never forget—a young man came to one of our events, and I invited him to our Scholarship Gala. He later told me he had been homeless at the time. Just that small gesture made him feel seen. You never know how your words or presence can change someone’s life. That’s why I stayed involved for so long. I even ended up serving four years as president when I was only supposed to serve two!
SMMA: What advice would you give a young Black student considering medicine?
Dr. Foster: Don’t try to pursue this career alone. You need a community. Organizations like Sinkler Miller can help you find mentors, job leads, referrals, and friendships that last a lifetime. The medical field has changed, but the need for connection and support hasn’t. We’ve had members move to the Bay Area from all over the country, and we welcome them into this network.
SMMA: You mentioned being passionate about women’s health. Can you share more?
Dr. Foster: Absolutely. I’m a breast cancer survivor, and I lost my sister to breast cancer. As a radiologist, I’ve read thousands of mammograms. I feel strongly about raising awareness, especially in the Black community where we historically didn’t talk about illness. That’s changing, and it needs to. We have to advocate for ourselves and for each other. And yes, I always tell women, “Get your mammogram every year.”
Dr. Foster’s story is just one of many powerful legacies that make up the heart of Sinkler Miller Medical Association. Her commitment to medicine, mentorship, and community continues to inspire the next generation of Black physicians.
Ready to become a member or support our work? Join us today and be part of a community that uplifts, educates, and advocates for Black physicians across the Bay Area.