Phillip Foster was born in April 1885 and first lived in Timaru. He was educated in Hawera and later went to the Otago Boys' School. His medical education took place at Otago University where he qualified in 1909. Foster began his medical career at Christchurch Hospital, an association which was to continue in various capacities until his retirement in 1959. After holding resident costs he went to England for postgraduate study, obtaining his English Fellowship in 1912. In 1914 he returned to Christchurch and was at once appointed honorary surgeon to Christchurch Hospital, a position he held until 1939 when the name was changed to that of visiting surgeon. During the first world war he served on the hospital ship *Mahene* but returned immediately to Christchurch in 1918. In 1934 he became the first Director of Surgical Services and continued in that capacity until his retirement. In addition to his other qualifications, Foster was one of the Foundation Fellows of the College of Surgeons of Australasia, as it was called before being granted a Royal Charter. He was also for many years a member of the New Zealand Committee of that College as well as being for a term a member of the Court of Examiners. In national affairs he was a member and later Chairman of the Medical Council of New Zealand, and in 1938 he was President of the New Zealand branch of the BMA on the occasion of their annual meeting in Christchurch. Foster was a foundation member of the Christchurch Rotary Club and held the office of President and later District Governor of that association. In 1953 his work in New Zealand was recognised by being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George and he received his award on the occasion of the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to New Zealand in 1954. Apart from his profession Foster was a keen cricketer and played for the West Christchurch Cricket Club for 20 years. He was an enthusiastic golfer and his interest is perpetuated in the Foster Cup at the Shirley Golf Club. During many weekends he also held mixed tennis parties at his home which were greatly appreciated by all his guests. Foster travelled widely and was one of the pioneers of neurosurgery in New Zealand until the establishment of the neurosurgical unit at Dunedin. Foster died on 19 April 1965 after a long illness, and was survived by his wife and three daughters, two of whom were married.