SpineLine Back Page: Behind the Mask
Dr. Norah Foster
Norah Foster is an orthopedic surgeon in southwest Ohio. A former college swimmer at Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, Dr. Foster is committed to fitness and says she never misses a workout. Learn more about her interests inside and outside of the ER in this edition of the Back Page.
What’s your go-to breakfast before a long day in the OR or clinic?
I’m an intermittent faster — just black coffee before 2 pm, even on OR days. You might tempt me to a weekend brunch before 2 pm if Bloody Marys are involved!
What’s in your white coat pockets right now?
No white coat! I ditched them after fellowship. I live in FIGS in clinic and carry nothing but my phone. Today I found an Oreo package in my pocket — definite win.
Do you have any superstitions or rituals before a big case or a busy clinic day?
I try to stay as flexible as possible (no small feat for a spine surgeon). I remind my staff, “If this is the worst thing that happens today, it’s still a great day.”
OR (or commute) playlist: Silence, music, or podcast? What’s playing?
ABC: Anything But Country. Otherwise, the staff gets to choose — happy teammates are my priority.
Go-to snack to stay fueled during a long shift?
Cottage cheese, Wilde protein chips, and Fitzels protein pretzels. I aim for healthy but don’t shy away from sweets on a tough day.
Favorite OR or clinic life hack?
Compression socks for long OR days. And I never skip a workout — lunch hour or straight after clinic before notes pile up. No excuses.
Favorite thing about an early morning start?
I’m a morning person! I love getting work done early, especially if it means finishing while there’s still daylight.
If you had to do a TED Talk on a nonmedical topic, what would it be?
Gender disparities — in medicine and beyond. Understanding the history and implicit biases has pushed me to be a stronger advocate for women everywhere.
What’s the most surprising skill you have outside of medicine?
I’m an excellent baker. My latest project was a seven-tier, soccer-themed cake (pictured, right) for my best friend’s daughter’s team after their winning season — delicious, beautiful, and structurally sound!
First thing you do when you walk into the hospital or clinic each day?
Say good morning to my team. It’s free to be kind.
Coffee, tea, or something else?
Coffee. Black. Basic. If I’m feeling frisky, a chai tea.
What book has had the biggest impact on you—medical or otherwise?
The Monster at the End of This Book starring Grover. My grandmother read it to me with the best voices — it’s still my all-time favorite.
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
Antonio Gaudí. He proved you can be bold and imaginative and still leave a legacy that outlasts critics. As a woman in a male-dominated field, I relate to ignoring the blueprint and designing your own path.
Do you collect anything?
Yes — art from every country I visit. Paintings, prints, sculptures. My home is full of joyful travel memories.
What’s your go-to way to unwind—hobby, sport, guilty pleasure?
Running clears my head. I was a swimmer until medical school rotations made the pool tough, so I switched to running. Lately, I’ve added Hyrox classes — competing in my first double this November in Chicago.
What’s a TV show or movie you’ve watched more times than you’d like to admit?
Schitt’s Creek. I’d admit it proudly — hilarious and heartwarming.
If you had an extra hour in your day that wasn’t for work, how would you use it?
Read. I love nonfiction but don’t get enough time to dive in.
If you could instantly master any skill (medical or not), what would it be?
Languages. I majored in Spanish but would love to learn more.
If you weren’t able to work in medicine, what completely different career would you choose?
I’d own a bakery called Sugar Doctor.
Are you a dog person, cat person, some other type of pet person, or none of the above?
Dog mom! I have a 5-year-old English bulldog named Drax and a 2-year-old Frenchie named Groot.
What’s the best concert you’ve ever been to?
Woodstock ’99. Yes, it was exactly like Netflix showed — unforgettable.
What’s the best meal you’ve ever had?
Truffle gnocchi at Osteria Santo Spirito in Florence, Italy. Pure heaven.
What’s your favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Bali — amazing people, food, and culture. Heading to Japan soon, so we’ll see if it tops Bali!
What’s your favorite phone app?
Peloton app. Keeps me moving anywhere, with no excuses.
What’s a song that always puts you in a good mood?
“Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen. It was my OR closing song as a chief resident — it means the day is done.