Life, limbs, and a legacy of leadership: Career Podcast profiles Tipton Award winner Steven Gitelis, MD

In the latest episode of the AAOS Career Podcast, Rex Lutz, DO, chair of the Resident Assembly Executive Committee, welcomed special guest Steven Gitelis, MD, FAAOS, recipient of the 2025 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award, for a powerful conversation on what it truly means to lead in orthopaedics.

Throughout the conversation, Dr. Gitelis reflected on his distinguished career, offering a blueprint for building a legacy rooted in service, mentorship, and a global perspective. Dr. Gitelis’ message was clear: Leadership is not defined by accolades or titles, but by the impact you make on others and the profession.

His own impact has been profound. Among his many career accomplishments, he launched the sarcoma program at Rush University Medical Center, pioneered major advances in the field of musculoskeletal oncology, and founded the first bone and tissue bank in Illinois.

The conversation focused heavily on the importance of leadership and the qualities great leaders possess. Dr. Gitelis emphasized that guiding others is a responsibility that comes with experience and that true leaders lift others up, support those around them, and freely provide mentorship. He explained that a good leader follows the “three A’s” of leadership: availability, affability, and ability.

When Dr. Lutz asked what has enabled Dr. Gitelis to thrive in his various leadership positions, Dr. Gitelis responded with a quote from retired U.S. Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr., who spoke at Rush decades ago: “He said, ‘When in a position of leadership, just do what’s right. Don’t worry about what people think, just do what’s right.’ I’ve followed that guideline for my whole career. Some of those decisions are tough and perhaps not popular, but you just do what’s right and you’ll sleep better at night.”