120: Osteosarcoma w/ Dr. Witig

In this episode, we're joined by renowned orthopedic oncologist Dr. James Wittig for an in-depth conversation on osteosarcoma, orthopedic oncology, and the art of limb-sparing surgery. From his early days at NYU to becoming a leader in tumor surgery education, Dr. Wittig shares the experiences and mentors that shaped his career, along with the passion behind the educational videos that have helped countless residents prepare for boards and better understand orthopedic oncology.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How osteosarcoma presents and why it's often missed
• Imaging findings every clinician should know
• Limb-sparing surgery and complex tumor reconstructions
• The role of chemotherapy and long-term follow-up
• Real-world lessons for residents, trainees, and practicing surgeons

James C. Wittig, MD is an internationally renowned orthopedic oncologist and sarcoma surgeon. He has been practicing in the New York Metro and New Jersey area for over 25 years. During his career, Dr. Wittig has held numerous roles at several prestigious teaching institutions including NYU, Mount Sinai, John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian and most recently at Morristown Medical Center and Atlantic Health System. His clinical practice is focused on limb saving surgery for children and adults with bone sarcomas and soft tissue sarcomas as well as complex surgeries for all types of musculoskeletal tumors and bone cancers.

Dr. Wittig performed a unique 2-year fellowship in orthopedic oncology at Washington Hospital Center, Children's National Medical Center and the National Institutes of Health (NIH/NCI) under the tutelage of limb saving pioneer, Martin Malawer, MD. This 2 year fellowship, as opposed to the typical one year fellowships, afforded Dr. Wittig additional specialized training in the radiological and pathological diagnosis of musculoskeletal tumors at the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) as well as further specialized training and experience separating tumors safely from major blood vessels and nerves and utilizing plastic surgical techniques to repair complex defects utilizing distinctive tissue transfers and reconstructive techniques.

Dr. Wittig has performed surgery on over 10,000 children and adult orthopedic oncology patients since he started practicing in 2001.

Dr. Wittig received his Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hall University, and his Doctor of Medicine degree from New York University School of Medicine. He completed his residency in Orthopedic Surgery at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center in Manhattan where he served as chief resident, followed by a unique two-year fellowship at the Washington Cancer Institute of the Washington Hospital Center and Children's National Medical Center in Washington, DC. During fellowship, he served as Sarcoma Consultant to the Surgical and Pediatric Oncology Branches of the National Cancer Institute of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).