In Loving Memory of David W. Altchek, MD — A Pioneer, Mentor, and Beloved Healer
With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Dr. David W. Altchek, a towering figure in the field of sports medicine and a cherished colleague at the Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) for decades. His loss is felt deeply within the medical community, among his peers, his countless patients, and all those privileged to have worked alongside him.
Dr. Altchek was far more than an exceptional orthopedic surgeon — he was a pioneer whose brilliance and vision helped shape the future of sports medicine. Known for his extraordinary technical expertise, innovative techniques, and unwavering dedication to patient care, he became a trusted name among professional athletes, weekend warriors, and anyone seeking relief from injury.
Throughout his distinguished career, Dr. Altchek’s hands not only repaired injuries but restored hope. His patients knew him not just for his surgical precision but for his compassion, kindness, and genuine commitment to their well-being. For many, his skill meant the difference between a career-ending injury and a triumphant return to the field. For all, his care meant healing in both body and spirit.
At HSS, Dr. Altchek’s influence reached far beyond the operating room. As a mentor and teacher, he invested deeply in the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. He freely shared his knowledge, techniques, and passion for the craft with young physicians around the world, helping to elevate the standards of care in sports medicine globally. His legacy lives on in the countless surgeons he trained, many of whom now lead in their own right, carrying forward the lessons learned from a master.
His impact was also profoundly personal to his colleagues and friends. Those who knew Dr. Altchek remember him for his humility, integrity, and the warmth with which he approached every relationship. He was as generous with his wisdom as he was with his time, always ready to lend a hand, offer advice, or simply share a moment of genuine human connection.
Dr. Altchek’s passing marks the end of a remarkable chapter, but his legacy endures — in the lives he changed, the careers he shaped, and the field he helped redefine. His contributions will continue to inspire not only those within HSS but the broader world of medicine for generations to come.
We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, patients, and all who mourn this profound loss. Though Dr. Altchek may no longer walk among us, his spirit, dedication, and enduring influence remain an integral part of who we are and what we aspire to be.
Rest in peace, Dr. David W. Altchek. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.