Russell Stitzlein

Russell Stitzlein, M.D., is a fellowship-trained orthopaedic oncologist and currently serves as the Chief of Orthopaedic Oncology in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of California, Irvine (UCI) School of Medicine. He is the only orthopaedic oncologist in Orange County affiliated with a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-Designated Cancer Center, the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, where he participates in multidisciplinary care for sarcomas and metastatic bone disease.

His clinical expertise includes the treatment of benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors in both adults and children, with specialized training in limb salvage surgery and tumor/endoprosthetic reconstruction. In addition to his oncologic practice, Dr. Stitzlein performs hip and knee replacements.

• Medical Degree: Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine
• Residency: Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
• Fellowship: University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center

Dr. Stitzlein’s research interests focus on surgical outcomes in orthopaedic oncology, development of custom surgical guides and implants, and innovations in graduate medical education. Although specific publications are not listed, he has authored research papers and book chapters in his field.

His work is supported by a strong foundation in biomedical research and clinical excellence, recognized through numerous awards during his training. These include the Jacquelin Perry Award (2016), Best Poster at the University of Pennsylvania Research Day (2016), and multiple scholarships and academic honors from Miami University and the Cleveland Clinic.

Dr. Stitzlein is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery (Part I, 2017) and is a member of professional organizations including the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society, and Western Orthopaedic Association.