- Dr. Peter Sultan was participating in the Jamesport Triathlon in Riverhead, N.Y. on Sunday, July 13
- During the annual athletic event, he collapsed while competing
- The 54-year-old orthopedic surgeon then tragically died during the event
An orthopedic surgeon and father of two died while competing in a triathlon in Riverhead, N.Y., on Sunday, July 13.
Dr. Peter Sultan, a 54-year-old renowned surgeon, died while competing in the Jamesport Triathlon, per Greater Long Island. The event is also sponsored by the late doctor’s former employer, Peconic Bay Medical Center.
“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Peter Sultan, a respected and compassionate physician whose dedication to patient care, medical excellence, and community well-being left a lasting impact on all who knew him,” the Peconic Bay Medical Center said in a statement, per The Suffolk Times. “Dr. Sultan was not only a skilled and trusted member of the medical community, but also a mentor, colleague, and friend to many.”
“We extend our deepest condolences to Dr. Sultan’s family, especially his children Elizabeth and William, friends, colleagues, and patients. His legacy will live on in the countless lives he touched throughout his distinguished career.”
Dr. Agostino Cervone told the Riverhead Local that Sultan’s children “were the world to him.”
In addition to being recognized for his “medical excellence,” the father of two was known for his many talents, from being “an incredibly gifted musician” and an avid athlete. He was honored with the hospital’s Physician of the Year award in 2012, and he was also recognized as one of New York’s top hip and knee replacement surgeons.
“Peter was one of Long Island’s top orthopedic surgeons,” Andrew Mitchell, former president and CEO at Peconic Bay, told Riverhead Local. “He truly cared about his patients, the East End communities where he lived, and the continued advancement of PBMC into a highly regarded regional medical center.”
“Patient by patient, he changed lives,” current PBMC executive director Amy Loeb added. “Thanks to his joint replacement practice, thousands of people are able to move and walk and dance and enjoy their families.”
Sultan studied biology at Harvard University and earned his medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College. He later completed a fellowship in adult reconstructive surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School.
The late physician would provide lectures on various topics, including the connection between joint health, medicine and music. He gave informational presentations about joint health at local libraries.
He also performed impromptu concerts in the hospital lobby with his friend and co-worker, Jerome Foster Lewis. “He would always say, ‘Medicine cures the body, but music cures the soul,’ ” Lewis told Riverhead Local.
In addition to participating in triathlons, Sultan also built and flew model helicopters and played piano.
“It’s so sad, somebody so vital and in a really good place in his life and looking forward to so many things with his kids, with his career,” Lisa Hubbard, administrative director of orthopedic services at Peconic Bay, said. “He was living and loving life.”
A representative for Peconic Bay Medical Center did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for more information on Wednesday.
