Context:

Dr. David Altchek, a distinguished orthopedic surgeon and the long-serving medical director for the New York Mets, passed away at the age of 68. Renowned for performing over 2,400 Tommy John surgeries, he was instrumental in developing the innovative docking procedure, which became a staple in sports medicine. His career spanned several prestigious roles, including serving as the head team physician for the Mets and the U.S. Davis Cup team, and as the North American medical director for the ATP Tour. Altchek's professional journey was marked by his warm personality and dedication to improving surgical techniques, as well as his ability to reassure athletes about their recovery prospects. He leaves behind a legacy of medical excellence and is survived by his wife, Anne, and their four children, including Charles Altchek, a notable figure in Major League Soccer.

Dive Deeper:

• Dr. David Altchek, a pioneer in Tommy John surgery, performed over 2,400 of these procedures during his career and was a prominent figure in sports medicine, serving as the New York Mets medical director and co-chief of the Hospital for Special Surgery's sports medicine service.

• He was instrumental in developing the docking procedure for Tommy John surgery, which was tested on about 100 elbows and remained unchanged for over two decades due to its success.

• Altchek held several prestigious positions, including being the head team physician for the New York Mets, medical director from 2005 to 2024, and physician for the U.S. Davis Cup team and North American medical director for the ATP Tour.

• His approach to medicine was characterized by a combination of technical innovation and compassionate patient care, often reassuring athletes about their potential to return to their sport at a high level post-surgery.

• Altchek's contributions to sports medicine were recognized with Columbia's John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement in 2003, and he was respected not only for his surgical skills but also for his warm and caring personality.

• He was part of a family with a strong medical background, being the son of orthopedic surgeon Martin Altchek and having trained under notable figures like Dr. Russell Warren at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

• Dr. Altchek is survived by his wife Anne and their children, including Charles, who is involved in Major League Soccer and was a distinguished soccer player at Harvard.