Dr. William F. Enneking is widely regarded as the father of modern orthopaedic oncology, and his legacy continues to define excellence in musculoskeletal tumor care around the world. His pioneering work fundamentally reshaped how orthopaedic surgeons diagnose, classify, and treat bone and soft-tissue tumors. The Enneking Classification System—still used globally today—provided the first comprehensive framework for understanding tumor behavior and surgical margins, allowing surgeons to achieve oncologic safety while maximizing limb preservation. His breakthroughs laid the foundation upon which the specialty was built, influencing every modern approach to musculoskeletal cancer care.
At the University of Florida, Dr. Enneking’s legacy is both historic and deeply embedded in the department’s identity. As a visionary faculty leader and longtime chair of the UF Department of Orthopaedic Surgery & Sports Medicine, he established UF as a powerhouse in orthopaedic oncology training, research, and clinical innovation. Many of the world’s most respected tumor surgeons trained under his guidance or have been shaped by his academic lineage. His emphasis on intellectual rigor, multidisciplinary collaboration, and compassionate care continues to guide every aspect of UF’s program today.
That legacy lives on powerfully through UF’s exceptional current faculty—Dr. Mark Scarborough, Dr. C. Parker Gibbs, and Dr. Andre Spiguel—each of whom trained under or was directly influenced by Dr. Enneking’s philosophy. Dr. Scarborough, one of the nation’s foremost leaders in musculoskeletal oncology and former department chair, has spent decades advancing limb-salvage surgery and nurturing the next generation of tumor surgeons. Dr. Gibbs, an internationally recognized oncologic surgeon and current Chair of UF Orthopaedics, brings a deep commitment to academic excellence, innovative surgical approaches, and a strong vision for the program’s continued growth. Dr. Spiguel adds breadth and modern expertise in complex reconstruction and sarcoma care, bringing a thoughtful, patient-centered approach to the most challenging oncologic cases.
For applicants considering an orthopaedic oncology fellowship, training at UF means learning in the birthplace of the specialty under physicians who have carried forward—and continue to expand—the work Dr. Enneking began. Fellows gain exposure to a high-volume, high-complexity tumor practice, cutting-edge surgical techniques, and mentorship from nationally renowned faculty whose influence spans clinical care, academic leadership, and subspecialty innovation. Choosing UF means stepping into a legacy of excellence and joining a program where the past, present, and future of orthopaedic oncology converge to create the ideal environment for advanced training.