The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) presented its 2021 William W. Tipton Jr., MD, Leadership Award to Joseph D. Zuckerman, MD, chair of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Langone Health. The Tipton Leadership Award recognizes AAOS members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities that have benefitted the orthopedic community, patients, and the American public. 

The award honors and celebrates the life, accomplishments, and qualities of the late William W. Tipton Jr., MD, an orthopedic surgeon, educator, and former AAOS chief executive officer.

“Bill was a special man who was always positive, constructive, and trying to push the agenda forward,” says Dr. Zuckerman. “To be recognized with this award by the AAOS, an organization I have so much respect and admiration for, is an honor.” 

Similar to Dr. Tipton, Dr. Zuckerman’s life and career has been dedicated to helping grow the prestige of orthopedic surgery nationally and internationally, according to Dr. Zuckerman’s colleague Kenneth A. Egol, MD, the Joseph E. Milgram Professor of Orthopedic Surgery at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. 

“I cannot think of a better person to personify the qualities of a Tipton Leadership Award winner,” says Dr. Egol. “He is academically, administratively, clinically, and personally an exemplary leader in everything he does.”