Rush surgeon Steven Gitelis, MD, is the 2025 recipient of American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award.
The award is given annually to an orthopedic surgeon whose career has been defined by outstanding leadership qualities that have benefited the orthopedic community, patients and the public.
Gitelis, director of the Rush Section of Orthopedic Oncology, has been a pioneer in developing techniques and technology for salvaging or reconstructing limbs affected by bone and soft tissue sarcomas. He has also helped mentor and train physicians across the country in these procedures.
“Through collaboration and education, he continues to bridge the gap between research, practice and training to ensure a strong future for the field,” the AAOS said.
AAOS also cites the pivotal role he played in founding Illinois’ first tissue bank and overseeing its growth into one of the largest in the United States.
“Dr. Gitelis richly deserves this award celebrating his national leadership in orthopedic oncology,” said Amina Ahmed, MD, director of the RUSH MD Anderson Cancer Center.
“While so many of us at Rush have at some point benefited directly from the innovative techniques he has developed, even more of us are regularly inspired by his unwavering vision of the cancer-free years our patients should expect.”
