Life, Limbs, and a Legacy of Leadership

This episode explores the meaning of leadership within orthopaedic surgery, offering invaluable insights from Dr. Stephen Gitelis, Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology and recipient of the 2025 William W. Tipton Jr. Leadership Award. Dr. Gitelis reflects on his five-decade career at Rush, where he launched and grew one of the largest sarcoma programs in the region, and shares lessons learned from key mentors, the value of mentorship, and the importance of the “3 A’s” of leadership—ability, availability, and affability. He also discusses the evolution of limb salvage surgery, advances in 3D-printed implants and infection prevention, as well as his experiences leading both in academic medicine and the US Navy. Listeners will gain practical advice on developing leadership skills, the significance of volunteerism, and how to inspire the next generation of orthopaedic oncologists. Host: Dr. Rex Lutz, Chair, AAOS Resident Assembly Executive CommitteeGuest: Dr. Stephen Gitelis, Endowed Professor of Orthopaedic Oncology, Rush Medical College