HSS to Serve As New York Mets Team Physicians

New York, NY—December 16, 2004

The Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) and the New York Mets announced today that the hospital's sports medicine physicians and other health professional staff will serve as the official medical team for the New York Mets.

David W. Altchek, MD, associate attending orthopedic surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at HSS and the former team doctor for the Mets, will be the medical director overseeing HSS' healthcare and athletic training support for the team. The HSS medical team includes Answorth A. Allen, MD, who will be a team physician; Struan H. Coleman, MD, PhD, and Andrew Pearle, MD, will serve as associate team physicians.

The Hospital for Special Surgery is a world leader in orthopedics, rheumatology and rehabilitation. Dedicated to treating athletic injuries of the musculoskeletal system, with a special focus on shoulder, elbow and knee injuries, the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at HSS is one of the largest, most active, most highly respected departments in athletic medicine today. HSS treats many professional and competitive athletes in its advanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

"We are very happy to be working once again with the New York Mets," said Dr. Altchek. "Our expertise in advanced surgical techniques, including many pioneered here at HSS, is unsurpassed. We will help keep the Mets' athletes in superb condition through programs that both prevent and treat injuries." 

Jeff Wilpon, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Mets, confirmed the arrangement with HSS. "We are thrilled to renew our association with HSS.  Its reputation and the quality of its medical staff is unsurpassed," said Wilpon.

The Mets confirmed today that pitcher Pedro Martinez, who has agreed to sign a four-year contract to pitch for the Mets, had completed an examination at the hospital on Wednesday. The hospital's patient privacy policy precludes it from discussing details related to any patients examined or treated at the hospital. Any questions regarding athletes should be directed to the Mets.

 In addition to the Mets, HSS Sports Medicine doctors and physical therapists serve as team physicians and athletic trainers for the New York Giants, the Association of Tennis Professionals, the U.S. Rowing Team, St. Johns University Athletics Department, and City University of New York Athletic Conference. In addition, two of the hospital's doctors Jo Hannafin, M.D., Ph.D., and Scott Rodeo, M.D., served on the U.S. Olympic Committee medical staff that covered the 2004 Games in Athens.