Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation

What Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation does

The Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation (operating as the "Foster Foundation") is a Canadian non-profit research and education foundation based in Calgary, Alberta, and affiliated with Foothills Medical Centre (the largest Level 1 Trauma centre in western Canada, with over 1,200 Level 1 trauma activations annually) and the University of Calgary. Founded in 2000 by Dr. Richard Buckley, the foundation supports a clinical team of seven orthopaedic trauma surgeons who deliver tertiary care for subacute complex peri-articular injuries, nonunions, and malunions across a catchment area of more than 2 million people in southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. The team serves orthopaedic trainees through a one-year AO Accredited Fellowship Program and the Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Forum (the second-largest gathering of orthopaedic surgeons and residents in Canada), while supporting donor-funded research aimed at improving trauma outcomes.

The foundation's portfolio centers on a fellowship training program (current cohort booked through 2027, accepting 2028-2029 applications), the annual Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Forum, and a research program with cumulative output of 430+ peer-reviewed publications, 340+ national and international presentations, and 70+ textbook chapters. Core technology platforms include the POWER (Preventing Osteoporosis With Early Recognition) Program—Alberta's first Osteoporosis Canada registered outpatient fracture liaison service—paired with a Bone Health Mobile Phone Application for patient self-management; a precision medicine program using thrombelastography (TEG) for individualized venous thromboembolism risk assessment; biomechanics research on dual plating surgical techniques enabling immediate weight-bearing; immersive composite knee and shoulder surgical training models developed by Dr. Ryan Martin (Chief Medical Officer of Tactile Orthopaedics) and used for AO Sports courses worldwide; and multi-centre clinical trials including the FIRM Trial, HIP PRO Trial, and COTS-Hip studies (135 patients enrolled).

The foundation operates without traditional commercial sales channels. Its revenue mechanics consist of fellowship training fees, donations directed to the University of Calgary's Legacy Fund for Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Excellence (in honour of Dr. Rick Buckley, established 2020), and clinical care delivered through Foothills Medical Centre. Engagement with the broader orthopaedic community occurs through 414 AO courses taught or chaired across 24 countries, the annual Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Forum, peer-reviewed publishing, and partnerships with more than 20 organizations including Team Broken Earth, FearIsNotLove, Osteoporosis Canada, CanVECTOR, the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, the Orthopaedic Research Society, the Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society, and the University of Calgary. No pricing structure, foundation-level revenue figures, or commercialization milestones are publicly disclosed.

Name

Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation

Legal name

Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation

Website

https://wearefoster.ca

Company type

Private

Founded year

2000

Operating status

Operating

Short description

The Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation (Foster Foundation) is a Calgary-based non-profit supporting seven orthopaedic trauma surgeons who deliver tertiary trauma care, AO Accredited fellowship training, and donor-funded research across a 2-million-person catchment area in western Canada.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Orthopaedic Trauma Care & Medical Education

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Educational Support Services (61171), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000), Services-Specialty Outpatient Facilities, Nec (8093)

akta.pro primary industry

Orthopedic Trauma (HLAKALAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Trauma Centers & Level I–IV Trauma Hospitals (HLAFAAAK), Orthopedic & Sports Rehabilitation Centers (HLAFAFAI)

Keywords

• Orthopaedic trauma research
• Orthopaedic surgery education
• Medical fellowship training
• Clinical trauma care
• Musculoskeletal research

Headquarters

HQ city

Calgary

HQ country

Canada

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Fellowship Program: One-year AO Accredited Fellowship training program producing skilled Orthopaedic Trauma surgeons. Revenue generated through fellowship training fees. Program currently full through 2027, accepting applications for 2028-2029.
2. Donations: Donations fuel critical research and innovation. All donations directed to dedicated University of Calgary research fund (The Legacy Fund for Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Excellence in honour of Dr. Rick Buckley).
3. Clinical Care Services: Tertiary care for subacute complex peri-articular injuries, nonunions, and malunions for southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Provides comprehensive emergency services and specialized care for severe musculoskeletal injuries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

The Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation operates as a non-profit foundation affiliated with the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary. It delivers evidence-based tertiary orthopaedic trauma clinical care to a catchment area of over 2 million people, runs a one-year AO Accredited orthopaedic trauma fellowship program, and conducts patient-informed research spanning precision medicine (TEG analysis), biomechanics, osteoporosis prevention (POWER Program), and multi-centre clinical trials.

Product overview

The Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation (FOSTER) operates as a research and education foundation, not a unified software product. Its portfolio comprises clinical and educational programs: the one-year AO Accredited Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program as its flagship training initiative; the Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Forum for national knowledge exchange; the POWER Program as Alberta's first osteoporosis fracture liaison service, supported by its companion Bone Health Mobile Phone Application for patient self-management; Immersive Surgical Training using composite anatomical models; the Calgary Orthopaedic Resident Research Group (CORRG) for scholarly education; Precision Medicine/TEG Analysis Program for individualized blood clot risk assessment; a multi-centre Clinical Trials Program; and Biomechanics Research evaluating novel surgical techniques. The foundation's services span fellowship training, clinical research, digital health solutions, and community engagement in orthopaedic trauma care.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship Program A one-year AO Accredited fellowship training program that produces skilled Orthopaedic Trauma surgeons adept at leading multi-disciplinary teams. Training focuses on pre-operative evaluation, surgical management, post-operative care, and rehabilitation after injury, with scholarly education including active research project engagement. Aimed at orthopaedic surgeons seeking advanced trauma subspecialty training.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Resident Forum An annual forum established in 2000 in Calgary, recognized as the second largest gathering of orthopaedic surgeons and residents in Canada, founded by Dr. Richard Buckley and serving as a significant platform for knowledge exchange and networking. Aimed at orthopaedic residents and practicing surgeons across Canada.
• POWER Program (Preventing Osteoporosis With Early Recognition) The first Osteoporosis Canada registered outpatient fracture liaison service in Alberta (one of seven in Canada), partnering with patients to prevent future fragility fractures through assessment, education, investigation, and initiation of appropriate osteoporosis treatments. Aimed at fragility fracture patients at risk of osteoporosis.
• Bone Health Mobile Phone Application A patient-informed phone application that helps patients navigate the POWER Program, access educational materials, and schedule reminders for osteoporosis medications, pioneering digital health solutions for bone health and fragility fracture prevention.
• Immersive Surgical Training Models Composite knee and shoulder models developed by Dr. Ryan Martin for practicing surgical techniques in a reproducible and low-stakes environment, used for AO Sports courses worldwide. Aimed at orthopaedic surgeons and residents seeking hands-on surgical technique practice.
• Calgary Orthopaedic Resident Research Group (CORRG) A longitudinal and team-based approach to scholarly education founded by Dr. Prism Schneider, fostering learning the research process through completing projects as a group throughout a 5-year curriculum. Aimed at orthopaedic residents at the University of Calgary.
• Precision Medicine / TEG Analysis Program Research program using serial thrombelastography (TEG) analysis to assess each trauma patient's individual risk for blood clots throughout their recovery, evaluating personalized approaches to thromboprophylaxis prescription. Used for trauma patients at risk of venous thromboembolism.
• Clinical Trials Program Multi-centre clinical trials program including FIRM Trial (Lisfranc injury implant retention/removal), HIP PRO Trial (blood clot prevention after hip fracture), and prospective studies on clavicle fractures, hip trauma outcomes, and care pathways. Aimed at advancing evidence-based orthopaedic trauma care.
• Biomechanics Research Research evaluating novel surgical techniques including dual plating for upper extremity fractures and clavicle fractures to allow immediate weight bearing, informing transformational clinical research. Aimed at improving surgical outcomes for fracture patients.
• Tertiary Orthopaedic Trauma Clinical Care Comprehensive emergency services and specialized tertiary orthopaedic trauma care for severe and complex musculoskeletal injuries, including acute single limb injuries, polytraumatized patients, subacute complex peri-articular injuries, nonunions, and malunions. Delivered at Foothills Medical Centre for a catchment area of over 2 million people in southern British Columbia, Alberta, and Saskatchewan.

Quantifiable outcome

• 7-fold increased VTE risk despite current thromboprophylaxis guidelines identified through research
• +8 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

25 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Team Broken EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer-driven registered medical charity with doctors, nurses, and healthcare professionals joining week-long medical missions. Foster Foundation members have volunteered in medical missions and provided educational courses in Haiti and Guatemala. To date, Broken Earth volunteers have treated over 20,000 patients.
• FearIsNotLovecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOrganization offering free programs for any person experiencing domestic violence and abuse. Foster Foundation members volunteer at FearIsNotLove, partner to promote equitable access to orthopaedic care, and support the Turning Points annual fundraiser. Addresses injuries resulting from violence.
• Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal/provincial health organization focused on bone and joint health in Alberta. Collaborates with Foster Foundation on research and care initiatives.
• McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLocal/provincial research institute at University of Calgary focused on bone and joint health. Partnership supports collaborative research efforts.
• Alberta Medical Association (AMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial medical association supporting Alberta physicians. Foster Foundation members participate in professional development and advocacy.
• Alberta Orthopaedic Society (AOS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial orthopaedic society connecting orthopaedic professionals in Alberta.
• Bone and Joint Strategic Clinical NetworkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvincial health network focused on improving bone and joint care delivery.
• Canadian Medical Association (CMA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational medical association representing Canadian physicians.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational orthopaedic professional organization. Foster Foundation members participate in national conferences and initiatives.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (COFAS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational society focused on foot and ankle orthopaedics.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Research Society (CORS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research society for orthopaedic research. Dr. Prism Schneider serves as CORS Secretary.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Trauma Society (COTS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational trauma society. Dr. Prism Schneider serves as President of COTS. Partnership for multi-centre clinical trials.
• Canadian Venous Thromboembolism Research Network (CanVECTOR)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational research network focused on venous thromboembolism. Supports Foster Foundation's TEG research for VTE prevention.
• Osteoporosis CanadacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational osteoporosis organization. POWER Program is the first Osteoporosis Canada registered outpatient fracture liaison service in Alberta (one of seven in Canada).
• Trauma Association of Canada (TAC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNational trauma association supporting trauma care excellence in Canada.
• AO North America (AONA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoster Foundation has taught or chaired 44 AO courses in Canada. Team members serve as AO Teaching Faculty.
• AO Trauma InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational orthopaedic trauma education organization. Foster Foundation is an AO Accredited Fellowship Centre. 414 AO courses taught/chaired globally.
• Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational orthopaedic trauma organization. Foster Foundation has received 6 OTA Highlight Paper Awards. Dr. Herman Johal is an OTA Research Committee Member; Dr. Prism Schneider is OTA Research Committee Chair.
• Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational orthopaedic research society. Foster Foundation has received 2 ORS Podium awards. Active participation in research presentations.
• Major Extremity Trauma Research Consortium (METRC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational research consortium focused on extremity trauma. Supports multi-centre clinical trials.
• International American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational orthopaedic professional organization for surgeons worldwide.
• Broken EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational orthopaedic trauma charity. Foster Foundation members participate in medical missions and educational courses.
• International Society for Fracture Repair (ISFR)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational society focused on fracture repair research.
• University of CalgarycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerFoothills Medical Centre is affiliated with the University of Calgary as a teaching hospital. Donations directed to UofC research fund (The Legacy Fund for Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Excellence in honour of Dr. Rick Buckley).
• Tactile OrthopaedicscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDr. Ryan Martin serves as Chief Medical Officer. Developed composite knee and shoulder models for immersive surgical training used for AO Sports courses worldwide.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health: University of Calgary-affiliated bone and joint research institute and named core partner of Foster Foundation. Both are Calgary-based research entities focused on musculoskeletal injury and disease with overlapping investigator pools.
• AO Foundation (AO Trauma): The global orthopaedic trauma education and research organization with which Foster Foundation holds AO Accredited Fellowship status and has taught/chaired 414 courses. Both operate in orthopaedic trauma education, fellowship accreditation, and surgical technique dissemination.
• Orthopaedic Research Society (ORS): International orthopaedic research society where Foster Foundation has earned 2 podium awards and presents ongoing research. Comparable as a research-output platform focused on musculoskeletal science.
• Team Broken Earth: Canadian medical volunteer organization in which Foster Foundation members actively participate, having helped treat over 20,000 patients in Haiti and Guatemala. Both combine clinical missions with educational outreach in orthopaedics.
• Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA): International society dedicated to orthopaedic trauma research and education; Foster Foundation surgeons hold committee leadership roles and have won 6 OTA Highlight Paper Awards. Both function as research-driven communities advancing trauma surgery.
• Canadian Orthopaedic Association (COA): National professional orthopaedic organization in which Foster Foundation surgeons participate, and where the foundation hosts the second-largest resident forum in Canada. Both serve as convening bodies for Canadian orthopaedic surgeons and trainees.

Emerging players

• Osteoporosis Canada: National osteoporosis organization that registers Foster Foundation's POWER Program as one of only seven outpatient fracture liaison services in Canada. Overlapping focus on fragility fracture prevention and bone health.

Regional players

• Alberta Bone and Joint Health Institute (ABJHI): Provincial Alberta bone and joint health institute that collaborates with Foster Foundation on research and care initiatives. Comparable as a regional musculoskeletal health organization with similar educational and policy missions.

Broad incumbents

• R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center: The University of Maryland's Level I trauma center — a globally recognized benchmark for high-volume trauma research and education analogous to Foothills Medical Centre. Both anchor trauma research, training, and innovation within academic medical centers.
• Harborview Medical Center (UW Orthopaedics): University of Washington-affiliated Level I trauma center renowned for orthopaedic trauma research, fellowship training, and AO-aligned education. Comparable as a high-volume academic trauma center with a fellowship program and research portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks3 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Foothills Orthopaedic Trauma Research and Education Foundation