18-07-2025
Dr. David Altchek, esteemed Mets medical director, dies at 68
Dr. David Altchek, one of baseball's pre-eminent elbow surgeons and the New York Mets' medical director for the past 20 years, passed away Thursday at the age of 68. Altchek had revealed to colleagues last year that he had been diagnosed with a brain tumor.
A graduate of Columbia and Cornell Medical College, Altchek began his association with New York City's Hospital for Special Surgery in 1987. He joined the Mets organization in 1991 as the head team physician, serving in that role for 11 years. He returned to the Mets in 2005 as the club's medical director.
If a Mets player required Tommy John surgery over the past 35 years, there's a good chance Altchek performed it — from Todd Hundley through Jacob deGrom, Steven Matz, Zack Wheeler and Noah Syndergaard. Altchek estimated that he performed around 2,400 Tommy John surgeries.
RIP Dr. Altchek @HSpecialSurgery
— Justin Topa (@Justin_Topa) July 17, 2025
'We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. David Altchek,' Mets owners Steve and Alex Cohen said in a statement. 'Renowned worldwide for his surgical expertise, he was equally admired for the compassion and care he showed to our players. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.'
'Known for his technical brilliance and pioneering work in orthopedic surgery, Dr. Altchek had a profoundly positive impact on our organization,' the Hospital for Special Surgery said in a statement. 'His legacy endures among the thousands of grateful patients whose lives he touched with skill and compassion, and among the many surgeons around the world who carry forward his knowledge and example. His contributions will continue to inspire us all and elevate the field. He will be dearly missed.'
