The Tipton Leadership Award recognizes AAOS Active Fellows or Candidate members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that have led to benefits for the orthopaedic community, patients and/or the American public.
This award is presented each year at the AAOS Annual Meeting. Recipients receive a $5,000 honorarium.
Candidates for the award will be evaluated for activities that include:
- A recognized leader among peers
- Reliability and dedication
- A commitment to growth and prestige of orthopaedics
- Significant accomplishments as a leader
- Values diversity and demonstrates it
- Fosters a win-win attitude
- Is an outstanding mentor
- Is a team player and builder
- Is committed to bridge building
Who is Eligible?
- Nominees must be an AAOS Active Fellow or Candidate Member eligible for Fellowship.
- Nominees must not have served on the Board of Directors, AAOS Awards Committee or former Membership and Leader Development Committee for the last three years.
Who May Nominate/Sponsor?
- Cannot be a member of the Board of Directors or AAOS Awards Committee
- Must be an AAOS Member; Resident members are eligible to nominate candidates, as well
Steven Gitelis, MD, FAAOS, Receives 2025 Tipton Leadership Award
The 2025 recipient of the William Tipton leadership award is Steven Gitelis, MD, FAAOS, Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of Orthopedic Oncology and Director of the Rush Musculoskeletal Oncology Program. A leading expert in Orthopaedic oncology and limb reconstruction, Dr. Gitelis is celebrated for his pioneering surgical treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcomas and steadfast commitment to patient care. Currently he serves as the Chief Medical Officer of Onkos, a company focused on innovative cancer care. When he joined Rush more than 40 years ago, the institution lacked a dedicated sarcoma program—under his leadership, it has grown into one of the largest in the region.
He created and mentored the Rush Multi-Specialty Musculoskeletal tumor board to optimize patient care. During his long career, he was elected and served as President of seven Medical Organizations including the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society. He also founded Illinois’ first tissue bank and has served as its medical director for over 30 years, overseeing its growth into one of the largest in the United States. Beyond his clinical and research contributions, Dr. Gitelis has been a dedicated mentor, shaping the next generation of Orthopaedic leaders. He served in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War where he provided cancer care and educated military Orthopaedic surgery residents. Through collaboration and education, he continues to bridge the gap between research, practice and training to ensure a strong future for the field.
Previous William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award Winners
Joshua J. Jacobs, MD, FAAOS
2024 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Alex Jahangir, MD, FAAOS
2023 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Andrew W. Gurman, MD, FAAOS
2022 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, FAAOS
2021 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Scott Beecher Scutchfield, MD, FAAOS
2020 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Dana C. Covey, MD, FAAOS
2019 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award
Ramon Jimenez, MD, FAAOS
2018 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award
William J. Robb, MD, FAAOS
2017 William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award