David Foster

Why I Do This Work

David Foster is the Executive Director of Patient Support & Medical Assistance at Danziger & De Llano, LLP. With more than 30 years of experience in the pharmaceutical and medical research industries, David brings a rare scientific perspective to mesothelioma patient advocacy — one grounded in both clinical knowledge and deeply personal experience.

David earned his Master of Science degree from Oklahoma State University and went on to build a career as a medical scientist, working at major pharmaceutical companies including Merck and Pfizer. His work in drug development and clinical research gave him an intimate understanding of how diseases progress, how treatments work, and how the medical system operates from the inside.

When David’s father — a decorated Korean War veteran and practicing dentist — was diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, David’s world changed. He watched his father struggle with the disease for five years, navigating a healthcare system that often felt indifferent to the unique challenges facing asbestos victims. After his father’s death, David made the decision to leave the pharmaceutical industry and dedicate his career to helping mesothelioma patients and their families.

For more than 15 years at Danziger & De Llano, David has assisted hundreds of mesothelioma patients and families, guiding them through the medical, emotional, and logistical challenges that accompany an asbestos-related diagnosis. He draws on his scientific background to help patients understand their diagnoses, connect with leading treatment specialists, and access the latest clinical trials and therapies.

David also created and hosts MESO: The Mesothelioma Podcast, a program that brings together doctors, researchers, survivors, caregivers, and legal experts to share knowledge and provide hope to the mesothelioma community. The podcast has become a trusted resource for patients and families seeking reliable, compassionate information about their disease.