Dr. David Altcheck, who served as the medical director for the Mets for many years, passed away on Thursday at the age of 68. He had performed over 2,000 Tommy John surgeries during his career.
The news of his death was shared by the Hospital for Special Surgery, where he held a co-director position. Altcheck was diagnosed with a brain tumor last year.
He was part of the Mets’ medical staff from 1991 to 2001, became the medical director from 2005 until 2024, and also served as the physician for the US Davis Cup team between 1999 and 2003. His role extended as the North American medical director for the ATP Tour, and he co-directed the sports medicine and shoulder services at HSS.
“Dr. Altchek’s intelligence and innovative approaches greatly benefited his patients and the field of sports medicine. However, it was his warm and caring nature that had the most significant impact,” said Glenn S. Freeseig, director of biomechanics research at the American Institute of Sports Medicine. “He was loved by colleagues, friends, and patients alike, and I’m truly grateful we had the chance to know him.”
Born to orthopedic surgeon Martin Altcheck, David attended Middletown High School in New York before graduating from Cornell University Medical School. He also interned at New York Hospital and completed his residency at HSS.
Reflecting on his early experiences, Altchek mentioned in a 2024 interview that his first Tommy John surgery was in 1993. “It took two and a half hours, and I was exhausted. We needed to simplify the procedure,” he said.
He collaborated with residents to develop a new technique known as the docking procedure, which they tested on about 100 elbows. “It worked incredibly well, and we didn’t change it for 20 years,” he noted.
Last year, he estimated performing over 2,400 Tommy John surgeries, becoming a preferred choice for these operations alongside Dr. Keith Meister of the Texas Rangers and Dr. Neil ElAttrache of the Los Angeles Dodgers.
In his role, reassuring players about their injuries was crucial. “This is unfortunate, but here’s your MRI. This is likely why the injury occurred. However, there are ways to repair and rehabilitate the ligaments,” he would explain. “With proper methods, there’s a good chance of returning to pitching at a high level.”
In recognition of his professional achievements, Altchek received the Columbia John Jay Award in 2003.
He is survived by his wife Anne Salmson, their sons Charles and Christopher, and daughters Chloe and Sophie. Charles is the president of Major League Soccer’s third-tier MLS Next Pro league and played Ivy League men’s soccer at Harvard in 2005 and 2006.
