Kristy L. Weber, MD, FACS

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Kristy L. Weber, MD, FACS, is an attending surgeon with the Cancer Center and Division of Orthopaedics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She specializes in diagnosing and treating bone and soft tissue tumors.

Areas of Expertise: Bone tumors, Ewing sarcoma, Limb salvage surgery, Osteosarcoma, Sarcomas, Benign and malignant bone and soft tissue tumors
Locations: Main Campus

Appointments and Referrals: 1-800-TRY-CHOP (1-800-879-2467)

Background

Kristy L. Weber, MD, is an attending surgeon with the Cancer Center and Division of Orthopaedics at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). She specializes in treating children, adolescents and adults with bone and soft tissue tumors.

Her philosophy of care is centered on minimizing stress. “I strive to treat my patients and their families how I would want to be treated,” she says. “It’s important to be honest and direct, but to also show compassion.” She goes on to explain the importance in involving the patients in all treatment decisions.  “It’s not always about what is technically possible, but what is the ‘right’ decision. Ultimately, I try to get to know my patients as well as possible and give enough understanding of the issues, risks and options so they can make the decision that is right for them.”     

Dr. Weber cites her work with bone or soft-tissue sarcomas as the most complex from a decision-making perspective — and one that is complicated with a growing child. “You are tasked with how to take out the cancer in a way that will prevent it from returning, while maintaining as much physical function as possible,” she says. “It can be a real balancing act.”  

Along with her work at CHOP, Dr. Weber is the Abramson Family Professor in Sarcoma Excellence in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. She was recruited to the University of Pennsylvania in 2013 to serve as Vice-chair of Faculty Affairs in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the Sarcoma Program in the Abramson Cancer Center. She is also currently serving as the first female president of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS).

In addition to her clinical role, Dr. Weber is a cancer researcher, with a particular emphasis on how to prevent sarcomas from metastasizing (spreading to other parts of the body). As part of this effort, she developed and helps raise money for a coordinated team of researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, CHOP and the Veterinary School of Pennsylvania to collaborate on sarcoma research and science.

According to Dr. Weber, the greatest challenge and opportunity lies in the biology. “Cancer treatments and success rates have been largely the same over the last 30 years. We are continually focused on finding a breakthrough in preventing the spread of cancer, so that we have a higher percentage of patients that are cured for life.”  

This success, particularly with children, is Dr. Weber’s ultimate goal and reward.  “I love taking care of kids,” she says. “You see them go through some pretty intense treatments – surgeries, radiation, chemotherapy, and watch them recover on the other side. Their bravery teaches me. It makes me a better doctor.”

Education and Training

Medical School

MD - Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD

Internship

Orthopaedic Surgery - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA

Residency

Orthopaedic Surgery - University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA

Fellowship

Orthopaedic Oncology - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Additional Training

Orthopaedic Oncology, Research Fellow - Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN

Board Certification

Orthopaedic Surgery

Titles and Academic Titles

Attending Surgeon

Professor and Vice-Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

Conditions Treated

Departments and Services

Publications

Papers

2016

McGrory B, Weber K, Lynott JA, Richmond JC, Davis CM 3rd, Yates A Jr, Kamath AF, Dasa V, Brown GA, Gerlinger TL, Villanueva T, Piva S, Hebl J, Jevsevar D, Shea KG, Bozic KJ, Shaffer W, Cummins D, Murray JN, Donnelly P, Patel N, Brenton B, Shores P, Woznica A, Linskey E, Sevarino K: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline on Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee. J Bone Joint Surg. 98(8):688-92, 2016. 

Baumann BC, Nagda SN, Kolker JD, Levin WP, Weber KL, Berman AT, Staddon A, Hartner L, Hahn SM, Glatstein E, and Simone CB:  Efficacy and Safety of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy for the Treatment of Pulmonary Metastases From Sarcoma: A Potential Alternative to Resection. J Surg Oncol, 2016.

Humbyrd C, Miller E, Skolasky R, Fayad L, Frassica F, Weber K:  Patient Anxiety, Pain, and Satisfaction with Image-Guided Needle Biopsy. Orthopedics 39(2), 219-224, 2016.

2015

Kim EY, Chapman TR, Ryu S, Chang EL, Galanopoulos N, Jones J, Kubicky CD, Lee CP, Teh BS, Traughber BJ, Van Poznak C, Vassil AD, Weber K, Lo SS:  ACR Appropriateness Criteria:  Non-Spine Bone Metastases.  J Palliative Med 18:1-7, 2015.  

2014

Raval RR, Frassica D, Thornton K, Meyer C, Ettinger DS, Frassica F, Weber K, Terezakis SA:  Evaluating the Role of Interdigitated Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation in the Management of High-Grade Soft –Tissue Sarcoma:  The Johns Hopkins Experience.  Am J Clin Oncol, 10:1097- ,2014 

Del Grande F, Subhawong T, Weber KL, Aro M, Mugera C, Fayad L: Detection of Soft Tissue Sarcoma Recurrence: Added Value of Functional MR Imaging Techniques at 3.0 T. Radiology 2014.

Sanders J, Bozic K, Glassman SD, Jevsevar DS, Weber KL: Clinical Practice Guidelines: Their use, misuse and future directions. J Amer Acad Ortho Surg 22:135-144, 2014.

Fayad L, Shivani A, Farahani SJ, Weber, K, Zhao F: Can MR Imaging Features Predict Tumor Grade in Soft Tissue Sarcomas?. Radiology. 2014 Jul;272(1):192-201. doi: 10.1148/radiol.14131871. Epub 2014 Mar 8.

Raval RR, Frassica D, Thornton K, Meyer C, Ettinger DS, Frassica F, Weber K, Terezakis SA:  Evaluating the Role of Interdigitated Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy and Radiation in the Management of High-Grade Soft –Tissue Sarcoma:  The Johns Hopkins Experience.  Am J Clin Oncol, 10:1097- ,2014 

Books

Sim FH, Choong P, Weber KL (eds). Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. J.B. Lippincott, Inc, 2011.

Chapters
2015

Cannada LK, Wolf JM, Lajam C, Weber KL:  Guide for Women in Orthopaedic Surgery (Section 2 Editor).  Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society/Zimmer, (2015).

2014

Weber KL: Musculoskeletal Oncology and Systemic Disease (Section Editor) In AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review – 2nd Ed, M Boyer (ed), AAOS, (to be published 2014).

Miclau T, Morshed S, Weber KL: Principles of Orthopaedics (Section 1 Editors) In AAOS Orthopaedic Knowledge Update 11, L. Cannada (ed), AAOS, 2014.

2013

Weber KL and Kominsky S:  Concepts and Surgical Treatment of Metastatic Bone Disease.  In Primer on the Metabolic Bone Diseases and Disorders of Mineral Metabolism, (8th ed).  Guise et al (eds).  ASBMR, 2013.

Turkelson C. and Weber KL:  The Scientific Foundations of Healthcare Guidelines, in O’Keefe RJ, Jacobs JJ, Chu CR, and Einhorn TA, eds:  Orthopaedic Basic Science:  Foundations of Clinical Practice, ed 4.  Rosemont, IL, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons 2013.

2012

Weber KL:  Saddle Prosthesis.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J. B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp.55-66.

Weber KL:  Distal Femur Megaprosthesis.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J. B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp.183-200.

Weber KL:  Total Humeral Replacement.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J. B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp.347-356.

Weber KL:  Shoulder/Humerus:  Surgical Treatment for Metastatic Bone Disease.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp. 357-370.

Weber KL:  General Considerations:  Shoulder.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp. 285-292.

Weber KL:  General Considerations:  Elbow and Wrist.  In Complex Reconstructive Surgery of the Pelvis and Extremities – Masters Technique Series. Choong P, Weber KL, Sim FH (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc, 2012, pp. 371-376.

2010

Weber KL:  Pathologic Fractures.  In Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in Adults, (7th ed).  Bucholz et al (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc., 2010, pp. 643-666.

2009

Weber KL and Frassica FJ: Musculoskeletal Oncology and Systemic Disease (Section Editor) In AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review, J. Lieberman (ed), AAOS, p. 381-499, 2009.

Weber K: Benign Bone Tumors and Reactive Lesions, in Lieberman JR (ed): AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, 2009, pp 391-415.

Weber K: Malignant Bone Tumors, in Lieberman JR (ed): AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, 2009, pp 417-442.

Benign Soft-Tissue Tumors and Reactive Lesions in Lieberman JR (ed): AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, 2009, pp 443-457.

Weber K: Malignant Soft-Tissue Tumors, in Lieberman JR (ed): AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, 2009, pp 459-469.

Weber K: Metastatic Bone Disease, in Lieberman JR (ed): AAOS Comprehensive Orthopaedic Review. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Rosemont, IL, 2009, pp 477-489.

2008

Weber KL and Kominsky S:  Orthopaedic Treatment of Metastatic Bone Disease.  In Primer on the Metabolic Bone Diseases and Disorders of Mineral Metabolism, (7th ed).  Guise et al (eds).  ASBMR, 2008.

2007

Weber KL: Benign Bone Tumors (Section Editor), Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed), AAOS, p.75-140, 2007.

Frassica FJ and Weber KL: General Classification/Staging of Benign Bone Tumors. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS, p.75-80, 2007.

Weber KL and Holt G: Overview of Treatment of Benign Bone Tumors. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS, p.81-86, 2007.

Weber KL and Heck R: Cystic and Benign Bone Lesions. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS, p.87-102, 2007.

Weber KL and O’Connor MI: Benign Cartilage Tumors. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS. p.103-120, 2007.

Weber KL and Pitcher D: Benign Fibrous and Histiocytic Lesions. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS, p.121-132, 2007.

McDonald D and Weber KL: Giant Cell Tumor of Bone. In Orthopaedic Knowledge Update – Musculoskeletal Oncology 2, H. Schwartz (ed).  AAOS, p.133-140, 2007.

2005

Weber KL and Buckwalter JA:  Musculoskeletal Neoplasms and Disorders that Resemble Neoplasms. In Turek’s Orthopaedics:  Principles and their Applications.  Weinstein SL and Buckwalter JA (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc. (6th ed), p. 267-319, 2005.

Weber KL:  Pathologic Fractures.  In Rockwood and Green’s Fractures in Adults, (6th ed).  Bucholz et al (eds).  J.B. Lippincott, Inc., p. 643-666, 2005.

2004

Weber KL and Theriault, R:  Management of Osseous Metastasis and Impending Pathological Fractures. In Advanced Therapy of Breast Disease.  (2nd ed) Singletary SE, et al (eds).  BC Decker, Inc, Hamilton, Ontario, p. 579-593, 2004.

2003

Weber KL:  Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Signaling in Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastasis.  In Molecular Biology in Orthopaedics. Rosier RN, et al (eds).  AAOS/NIH Textbook, Rosemont, IL, p 163-171, 2003.

2002

Buckwalter JA and Weber KL: Approach to Musculoskeletal Tumors and Lesions that Resemble Tumors.  In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press,  p. 100-104, 2002.

Weber KL: Unicameral Bone Cyst. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma:  Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 120-125, 2002.

Weber KL: Aneurysmal Bone Cyst. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 126-131, 2002.

Weber KL: Fibrous Cortical Defect/Nonossifying Fibroma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 131-135, 2002.

Weber KL: Bone Island. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 135-137, 2002.

Weber KL: Fibrous Dysplasia. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 137-141, 2002.

Weber KL: Osteoid Osteoma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 151-157, 2002.

Weber KL: Osteochondroma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 177-186, 2002.

Weber KL: Enchondroma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 186-192, 2002.

Weber KL: Periosteal Chondroma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 192-194, 2002.

Weber KL: Adamantinoma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 219-224, 2002.

Weber KL and Sim FH: Chordoma. In Oxford Textbook of Orthopaedics and Trauma: Buckwalter, JA et al (eds).  Oxford University Press, p. 294-299, 2002.

2001

Buckwalter JA and Weber KL: Malignant Tumors of Bone and Soft Tissue.  In Surgery. Corson, JD and Williamson, RCN (eds.) Mosby, London, 2001.

Weber KL and Sim FH: Malignant Bone Tumors.  In Operative Orthopaedics, Chapman (ed.), JB Lippincott, Philadelphia, 2001.

Weber KL: Benign Cystic Lesions of Bone.  In Current Orthopaedics.  Dickson, RA et al (eds).  Harcourt Publishers Limited, 15, p. 51-56, 2001.

Posters and Presentations

2016

Weber KL:  Management of the Patient with Metastatic Bone Disease.  Visiting Professor/Graduation Speaker, U of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rochester, NY, May 14, 2016.

Weber KL:  Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcoma:  Current and Future Directions.  R. Plato Schwartz Lecture, U of Rochester Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Visiting Professor/Graduation Speaker, Rochester, NY, May 13, 2016.

Weber KL and others:  ORS Professional Advancement Session: What Does Your CV/Resume Say About You?  62nd Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting, Orlando, FL, March 8, 2016 (one of 5 formal table mentors).

Weber KL:  Malignant Bone Tumors. (Instructional Course Lecture: What’s Wrong with the Bone?)  83nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Orlando, FL, March 2, 2016.

2015

Weber KL:  Tips for Building an Early Academic Practice.  AOA/ELP Webinar:  Practice Management:  Keys to Success Early in Practice.  August 4, 2015.

Weber KL:  Servant Leadership.  ORS Professional Advancement Series, 61st Orthopaedic Research Society Meeting, Las Vegas, NV, March 30, 2015.

Weber KL:  Malignant Bone Tumors. (Instructional Course Lecture: What’s Wrong with the Bone?)  82nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Las Vegas, NV, March 27, 2015.

2014

Weber KL: Malignant Bone Tumors. (Instructional Course Lecture) 81st Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, New Orleans, LA, March 14, 2014.

Weber KL: Educational Milestones. MSTS Specialty Day at 81st AAOS Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, March 15, 2014.

Weber KL: AAOS Evidence-Based Guidelines and Conflict of Interest. JAAOS Webinar-“Clinical Practice Guidelines: Their Use, Misuse and Future Directions”, March 19, 2014.

Awards and Honors

2012, Invited honorary speaker to Johns Hopkins 1st year medical students – stethoscope ceremony



2011, Baltimore Magazine’s Best Doctors 2011 (Orthopaedic Oncology)



2010, AAOS Achievement Award

2009, International Skeletal Society 2nd Place Exhibit Award - Metabolic Imaging of Musculoskeletal Pathology with MR Spectroscopy:  How Far Have We Come?  Fayad LM, Wang X, Machdo A, Weber KL, Barker PB.  Washington D.C.

2009, Pi Beta Phi Member of Distinction Award – (National Individual Achievement Award)

2006, Compere Award (Best Scientific Paper – Management of Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastasis), Twentieth Century Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting, Rockport, ME

Kappa Delta Award (Elizabeth Winston Lanier Award) 2006 [Weber KL, Doucet M, Kominsky S:  Growth Factor Receptor Signaling Blockade in Renal Cell Carcinoma Bone Metastasis].

2005, American Bone and Joint Surgeons (ABJS) Scholar

2003, ABC Traveling Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association, Spring, (1 of 5 US orthopaedic surgeons selected)

2002, Finalist - New Investigator Recognition Award – Orthopaedic Research Society, Dallas, Texas

2000, Young Investigator Award, Connective Tissue Oncology Society, Amsterdam, The Netherlands

2000, Finalist - New Investigator Recognition Award, Orthopaedic Research Society, Orlando, Florida

1999, John J. Fahey, MD, Memorial, North American Traveling Fellow of the American Orthopaedic Association, (1 of 4 US orthopaedic surgeons selected)

1997, Mayo Clinic, Best Basic Science Center Research Award, Mayo Laboratory Medicine/Pathology and Cancer Center Symposium

1996, Emma Harper Turner Leadership Award (Exceptional leadership to a Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club)

1991, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honorary

1991, Johns Hopkins Medical School, Phi Beta Kappa Honorary

 

Editorial and Academic Positions

Editorial Boards

Editorial Board, JBJS Reviews, 2013-
Editorial Board, Current Surgery Reports (section editor for Ortho-Oncology), 2013-

Journal Peer Review Activities
  • Journal of Orthopaedic Research, 1997-present
  • Cancer, 2001-present
  • Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, (Consultant Reviewer), 2001-present
  • Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research, 2003-present
  • Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Am), 2004-present
  • Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (Br), 2007-present
  • Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 2008-present

Leadership and Memberships

Memberships in Professional Organizations

American College of Surgeons (ACS) – Fellow – inducted October, 2014 (FACS)



American College of Radiology

- 2011-2015, Appropriate Use Criteria Committee (Treatment of Bone Metastasis)

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery (ABOS)

- 2008-2016, Question Writing Task Force

- Chair, Milestones Working Group (Fellowship) 

Orthopaedic Research and Education Foundation (OREF)

- 2003-present, Member, Shands Circle

- 2010-2014, Chair, Grant Review Subcommittee

2005-present, Twentieth Century Orthopaedic Association

- 2015, Program Co-Chair, 70th Annual Meeting

- 2014, Program Co-Chair, 69th Annual Meeting



2004-2014, University of Iowa Department of Orthopedics Second Century Committee 

2004-present, American Orthopaedic Association

- 2004-present, Emerging Leaders Program Guide

- 2011-2014, Member, Orthopaedic Institute of Medicine Committee

- 2015-2015, Member (elected), Nominating Committee

- 2015-2018, Chairman – Critical Issues Committee

- 2015-2018, Executive Committee

- 2015-2018, Own the Bone Committee

- 2015-2018, Program Committee

2001-present, Ruth Jackson Orthopaedic Society

- 2012, 2014, Treasurer

- 2014-2015, Vice President

- 2015-2016, President

- 2016-2017, Past President

2002-present, Musculoskeletal Tumor Society

- 2013-2014, President

- 2015-2015, Past President

- 2014-2015, Nominating Committee Chair

- 2015-2016, Past President (2nd)

2002-present, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

- 2013-2015, Vice-Chair, AAOS Clinical Practice Guideline on Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee

- 2014-present, Member, Committee on Outside Interests

- 2017, Second Vice President

2002-present, American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR)

2002-present, Orthopaedic Research Society

- 2014-2018, Board of Directors

- 2015-2015, Secretary-Elect

- 2015-2018, Secretary

- 2015-2018, JOR Editorial Advisory Board

- 2015-2018, Finance Committee

1999-present, Member, International Society of Limb Salvage

1998-present, Member, Connective Tissue Oncology Society