AAOS Honors Trio for Contributions to Orthopedic Surgery

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) is honoring three orthopedic surgeons for their dedication, service, and support to their chosen profession. This year’s recipients of the Humanitarian Award, Diversity Award and William W. Tipton, Jr., MD, Leadership Award, according to AAOS, have demonstrated significant dedication to advancing musculoskeletal care, championing diversity, and providing compassionate service to patients worldwide.

“These distinguished individuals embody the highest ideals of our profession,” AAOS President Paul Tornetta, III, M.D., Ph.D. said. “Through their leadership, service and commitment to excellence, they have not only improved patient outcomes but also inspired the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. Their contributions are a testament to the profound impact our field has in enhancing lives globally.”

AAOS Diversity Award

AAOS bestowed its 2025 Diversity Award upon Thomas P. Sculco, M.D., surgeon-in-chief emeritus, Hospital for Special Surgery and professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York. Dr. Sculco is being honored for his efforts to promote diversity at the local, institutional, and national level. His visionary leadership over the past five decades has thoughtfully shaped and established lasting infrastructures that have enhanced diversity among orthopedic surgeons, addressed healthcare disparities, and elevated the quality of patient care, the AAOS claimed in a news release.

“Dr. Sculco has embodied and lived diversity in orthopedics. He has trained under his leadership more Black and Women Orthopaedic surgeons than any other majority training program in the world,” orthopedic spine surgeon and J. Robert Gladden Orthopaedic Society President Susan E. Stephens, M.D., stated. “The excellence of his trainees speaks for itself in their success by all standards. Dr. Sculco never stops leading by example and continues through his personal mission to impact healthcare disparities by creating an honorable legacy of excellence in diversity in orthopedic surgery.”

AAOS Humanitarian Award

Coleen S. Sabatini, M.D., has received the 2025 Humanitarian Award for her dedication to caring for children with musculoskeletal conditions both domestically and abroad. A pediatric orthopedic surgeon based at the University of California San Francisco Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland in Oakland, Calif., Dr. Sabatini believes that all children should have access to high quality, safe and affordable orthopedic care. Her work abroad has focused on pediatric orthopedic education and capacity-building to improve access to quality care for children with musculoskeletal conditions, along with conducting research on treating musculoskeletal problems for children in resource-limited settings.  Her efforts have had a profound impact worldwide, particularly in Uganda, where she has focused much of her work since 2013.

“While I admire all the work Dr. Sabatini does in the United States, Uganda, and other countries, I believe her greatest contribution will be the legacy she leaves as a mentor,” commented Lisa L. Lattanza, M.D., chair of Yale Medicine Orthopaedics & Rehabilitation. “She has formally and informally mentored dozens of other orthopedic surgeons, promoting her values of domestic and international care equity to the next generation. Dr. Sabatini’s career based on selflessly supporting international pediatric musculoskeletal health, addressing disparity issues in the United States, promoting those values in service of the AAOS volunteer structure.”

William W. Tipton Jr., M.D., Leadership Award

The Tipton Leadership Award recognizes AAOS members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that have benefitted the orthopedic community, patients, and/or the American public. The award honors and celebrates the life, accomplishments and qualities of the late William W. Tipton Jr., M.D., an orthopedic surgeon, educator, and former AAOS chief executive officer.

The 2025 recipient of the William Tipton leadership award is Steven Gitelis, M.D., Rush Medical College Endowed Professor of Orthopedic Oncology and director of the Rush Musculoskeletal Oncology Program. A leading expert in orthopedic oncology and limb reconstruction, Dr. Gitelis is celebrated for his surgical treatment of bone and soft tissue sarcomas and steadfast commitment to patient care. He currently he serves as chief medical officer of Onkos, a company focused on 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 more than 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 orthopedic leaders. He served in the United States Navy during the Persian Gulf War, providing cancer care and educating military orthopedic 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.

With more than 39,000 members, the AAOS is the world’s largest medical association of musculoskeletal specialists. The AAOS is the trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal health, providing comprehensive education to help orthopedic surgeons and allied health professionals best treat patients. The AAOS is the source of information on bone and joint conditions, treatments, and related musculoskeletal healthcare issues; and it leads the healthcare discussion on advancing quality.