Christy Foster, MD

Dr. Christy Foster is a board-certified pediatric endocrinologist and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB). She completed her pediatric residency at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, followed by fellowship training in pediatric endocrinology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. During her fellowship, Dr. Foster cultivated a strong interest in metabolic disorders in youth, leading early research efforts in dyslipidemia, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), and endocrine complications of malnutrition and obesity.  Since joining the UAB faculty, Dr. Foster has established an active and independent research program focused on the intersection of pediatric obesity, type 2 diabetes, and biological aging. She serves as principal investigator on several hypothesis-driven projects, including a UAB Obesity Health Disparities Research Center grant titled “Epigenetic Age in Adolescents with Obesity”, an NIH NIDDK Supplemental Grant titled “Epigenetic Age in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes”, and a UAB K12 Scholar Award titled “Epigenetic Signature Changes in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes.” Her current work also includes a Kaul Pediatric Research Institute–funded study examining “Evaluation of Chromogranins in Adolescents with Type 2 Diabetes,” and a UAB CCTS pilot project focused on “Novel Recruitment Methods for Epigenetic/Genetic Studies.” In addition, she contributes as a sub-investigator on the NIH R21 grant “The Presentation and Medical Course of PCOS in Adolescents Across the United States.”  Dr. Foster’s research productivity is reflected in a growing body of first- and senior-author publications, including recent studies on dyslipidemia, epigenetic age acceleration, metabolic liver disease, and healthcare transitions in youth with diabetes. She serves as Director of the UAB Pediatric Endocrine Division Research Program and remains active in national societies through leadership roles and committee service. Through her scholarship, leadership, and mentorship, Dr. Foster is committed to advancing evidence-based, equitable care for children and adolescents with chronic endocrine disorders.