David Altchek, longtime Mets doctor and Tommy John surgeon, dead at 68

Dr. David Altchek, a renowned orthopedic surgeon known for performing over 2,000 Tommy John surgeries and serving as the Mets’ longtime medical director, passed away at the age of 68. The news of his death was confirmed by the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he held the position of co-chief emeritus. Last year, Altchek had disclosed to colleagues that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Altchek’s illustrious career included being the head team physician for the Mets from 1991 to 2001 and serving as the medical director from 2005 to 2024. He also held positions as the physician of the U.S. Davis Cup team from 1999 to 2003 and as the North American medical director of the ATP Tour. Additionally, Altchek co-chaired the sports medicine and shoulder service at HSS from 2005 to 2014.

Described as an individual with immense intelligence and innovation, Altchek’s greatest impact was attributed to his warm, friendly, and caring personality. Colleagues, friends, and patients fondly remembered him for his compassionate nature. Glenn S. Fleisig, the biomechanics research director of the American Sports Medicine Institute, praised Altchek for his contributions to sports medicine and the lasting relationships he built with those around him.

Born to orthopedic surgeon Martin Altchek, David pursued his education at Middletown High School in New York, Columbia University for his undergraduate degree, and Cornell University Medical College for his medical degree in 1982. He completed his internship at The New York Hospital and went on to become a resident at HSS, where he trained under Dr. Russell Warren, a prominent figure in sports medicine.

One of Altchek’s significant achievements was in revolutionizing the Tommy John surgery procedure. He developed a docking procedure that aimed to simplify and enhance the surgical process, testing it on numerous patients with remarkable success. Altchek’s dedication to advancing the field of orthopedic surgery led him to perform thousands of Tommy John surgeries throughout his career, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert in the field.

Apart from his professional accomplishments, Altchek was recognized for his outstanding achievements with accolades such as Columbia’s John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement in 2003. He is survived by his wife, Anne Salmson, whom he married in 1981, as well as his children Charles, Christopher, Chloe, and Sophie. Charles, his son, currently serves as the president of Major League Soccer’s MLS Next Pro minor league and was a standout athlete during his time at Harvard University.

The legacy of Dr. David Altchek lives on through his groundbreaking contributions to orthopedic surgery and his compassionate care for his patients. His impact on the field of sports medicine and the lives of those he touched will be remembered for years to come.