She began teaching at New Mexico State University as an assistant professor in 2002. Previously, she was Executive Director of the Albuquerque Speech, Language, and Hearing Center from 1998 to 2002. She has held a number of positions at the University of New Mexico, including the Centers for Disease Control Program Manager at the Center for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Dissemination and Evaluation Specialist. Dr. Forster-Cox was Health Director of the Equity Health Care Program of the Las Vegas Paiute Tribe from 1988 to 1990. She began her career as Executive Director of Battered Families Services from 1982 to 1985, and served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia from 1977 to 1979. Dr. Forster-Cox received a B.S. from the University of Northern Colorado, an M.P.H. from the University of Hawaii-Manoa, and a Ph.D. from the University of New Mexico.