Welcome to the Orthopedic Oncology Fellowship at the University of Florida!
The UF program is deeply rooted in the legacy of Dr. William F. Enneking, one of the founding fathers of musculoskeletal oncology. His groundbreaking work, including the development of the Enneking Staging System for Musculoskeletal Neoplasms, continues to influence the practice of orthopaedic oncology worldwide. Since the fellowship’s establishment in 1971, we have trained over 95 fellows, many of whom now hold leadership positions in major academic centers and musculoskeletal oncology programs across the globe. Dr. Enneking’s vision of thoughtful, precise, and patient-centered care remains the foundation of our training.
As a founding institution of orthopedic oncology in the United States, the University of Florida offers a clinical experience that is immersive, high-volume, and high complexity. We manage the full spectrum of bone and soft tissue tumors in both adult and pediatric patients. Fellows gain extensive operative experience in complex limb-sparing procedures, pelvic resections, endoprosthetic reconstructions, and surgeries for recurrent and metastatic disease. From day one, fellows are integral members of the orthopaedic oncology team and actively participate in surgical decision-making and operative planning.
Our program emphasizes genuine multidisciplinary care supported by an integrated clinical and didactic curriculum. Fellows actively participate in weekly tumor boards and collaborative multidisciplinary discussions, working closely with colleagues in radiology, pathology, medical oncology, and radiation oncology. These interactions provide valuable opportunities to enhance diagnostic reasoning and contribute to comprehensive, patient-centered treatment planning.
A distinctive and invaluable component of our fellowship is the close integration with the UF Department of Pathology. Fellows are exposed to the full spectrum of musculoskeletal tumor pathology and regularly engage in detailed, case-based slide reviews with our sarcoma pathologists. These sessions foster a deep understanding of diagnostic criteria, tumor grading, and histologic nuances essential for surgical planning. Fellows also gain hands-on experience with intraoperative consultations, including frozen section assessment during surgeries.
Research is a vital part of our program. Fellows are provided with dedicated research time and access to extensive institutional resources for both clinical and translational projects. Mentorship is personalized, and many of our fellows present at national and international conferences, including MSTS, ISOLS, and AAOS, with full support from the program. Our culture of inquiry encourages scholarly productivity and lifelong engagement with innovation.
The success of our alumni speaks to the depth and rigor of our training. Graduates of our fellowship consistently secure highly competitive positions in both academic and private practice settings, and many go on to becoe thought leaders in the field.
Located in Gainesville, Florida, the fellowship also offers the benefit of training in a collegial, welcoming, and academically rich environment. We are proud of our history, deeply invested in our fellows, and committed to shaping the future of orthopedic oncology. We look forward to the opportunity to help you grow into a confident, capable, and compassionate orthopaedic oncologist.
Andre R. Spiguel, MD.
Program Director
Musculoskeletal Oncology Fellowship
University of Florida