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Don Foster, M.D. (B.S. ‘81) is an associate professor of pediatric emergency medicine at the University of Arkansas College of Medicine in Little Rock. His primary role is that of attending physician in the ER of Arkansas Children’s Hospital where he teaches pediatric interns, emergency medicine and pediatric resident physicians. “We see a challenging variety of illnesses and injuries from birth to 21 years of age in the ER. God gives everyone certain gifts, and He created me to work in a pediatric ER. It is essential that one recognize his or her calling, and it was divine intervention that led me to Children’s. ACH is one of the largest children’s hospitals in the country, and it is the only one in Arkansas. Shreveport is my home but we love Little Rock, and our children were blessed to attend Arkansas Baptist School where my wife now teaches fifth grade.” Foster is a graduate of the accelerated pre-med program that was highlighted in the last issue of LSUS News. “LSUS provided a great academic foundation for me, not only in regard to factual knowledge, but also in starting the lifelong process of independent, self-directed learning. I remember Dr. Frank Collins among other excellent professors. Dr. Collins’ exams were challenging, but they taught me to study the material thoroughly and to understand it. I never use organic chemistry in the ER, but problem-solving is an essential part of what I do every day in patient care and medical education. I like helping young physicians learn to reason through their patients’ problems, and I try to model compassion and patience in the process.” Foster was the director of the Junior Medical Student Clerkship at Children’s from 1991-98, and received the Emergency Medicine Residents’ Off-Service Golden Apple (best teacher) award in 1991, 1998 and 2002.

Brian K. Wooten, M.A. (B.S. ‘91 Education) believes strongly in the value of an LSUS education. One of the first things he did on his return to Shreveport-Bossier after 11 years in California was to drop by the Alumni Office and sign up for a Lifetime Membership. “After graduating in ’91,” he said, “I moved to Southern California and enrolled at Pepperdine University in late ‘92. When I graduated with a Master’s Degree in clinical psychology, I realized how valuable LSUS was to me. LSUS was the foundation. Pepperdine was a breeze because I had been prepared so well. I value my education, as it has taken me far in my business career. LSUS is extremely important to Shreveport-Bossier and to Louisiana, so I want to see the university become all it can be. I’d really like to see the Athletic Department grow as well.” Wooten is the executive director of Brentwood Research Institute and a new member of the Alumni Association Board of Directors. He is a member of the American Psychological Association, the Association of Clinical Research Professionals, and holds a number of industry certifications. Wooten has also conducted some 100 clinical drug studies since 1997. In his leisure time he enjoys sports, playing the drums, recording music and Cajun cooking. He and his wife, Caprice (also his college sweetheart), have two children, Tyler and Hannah.