David Altchek Obituary-Death News; David W. Altchek, MD, Orthopedic Surgeon Passes Away
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of David W. Altchek, MD, a true pioneer in sports medicine and a beloved, longstanding colleague at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS). His passing marks the end of an era, but his legacy will endure through the countless lives he touched — from world-class athletes to everyday individuals seeking to reclaim their mobility and quality of life.
Dr. Altchek’s name became synonymous with excellence in orthopedic surgery, and his technical brilliance, unwavering dedication, and compassion defined him as both a physician and a person.
Dr. Altchek’s contributions to the field of orthopedic surgery and sports medicine were nothing short of extraordinary. Known across the globe for his groundbreaking work, he helped shape the modern landscape of arthroscopic surgery, shoulder and elbow reconstruction, and knee ligament repair. His surgical innovations and meticulous techniques became the gold standard, influencing generations of surgeons who looked to him for guidance, mentorship, and inspiration. His reputation extended far beyond HSS, impacting academic institutions, sports organizations, and medical communities worldwide.
Throughout his illustrious career, Dr. Altchek remained steadfastly committed to HSS, where he began as an orthopedic surgery resident in the 1980s. Over the decades, he became not only one of the institution’s most respected and trusted surgeons but also a driving force behind many of its advances and initiatives.
His contributions were recognized in 2023 when he received the prestigious HSS Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to him by New York Yankees Hall-of-Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera, a former patient and admirer of Dr. Altchek’s work, alongside HSS President and CEO Bryan Kelly, MD. This honor reflected not only his surgical achievements but also his unwavering dedication to advancing patient care, mentoring colleagues, and elevating the institution’s global reputation.
Dr. Altchek’s impact extended beyond the walls of HSS into the world of professional sports, where his expertise was sought by some of the most prominent organizations and athletes. For nearly three decades, he served as the Head Team Physician and Medical Director for the New York Mets, a role in which he earned the trust and gratitude of countless players, coaches, and staff.
His work helped athletes recover from career-threatening injuries and return to peak performance, cementing his reputation as one of the preeminent figures in sports medicine. His commitment to excellence was unwavering, whether treating a Major League Baseball pitcher or a high school athlete.
In addition to his work in New York, Dr. Altchek played a crucial role in expanding HSS’s reach by helping establish HSS Florida. His leadership and vision were integral to the success of this initiative, bringing the world-class care and expertise of HSS to a broader patient population.
His presence there was a source of inspiration and pride for his colleagues, who valued his mentorship, wisdom, and friendship. The expansion to Florida was not just about geography; it was about extending the mission of HSS to help more people, a cause to which Dr. Altchek dedicated his life.
Above all, Dr. Altchek’s legacy is found in the thousands of patients whose lives he transformed through his skill and compassion. Patients routinely spoke of his calm demeanor, his deep empathy, and his genuine care for their well-being. For them, he was more than a surgeon — he was a healer, a guide, and a source of hope.
To his colleagues, Dr. Altchek was a brilliant surgeon, a generous mentor, and a steadfast friend. His guidance helped shape the careers of countless orthopedic surgeons who now carry forward his teachings, techniques, and philosophy of patient-centered care. His influence will continue to elevate the field of sports medicine for generations to come.
Dr. David W. Altchek will be deeply missed, but his extraordinary legacy lives on — in his patients, in his colleagues, and in the enduring excellence of the institution he helped shape.
