Long Island Orthopedic Surgeon Dies During Annual Triathlon

Dr. Peter Sultan, a well-loved orthopedic surgeon from Long Island known for brightening patients’ days with his musical talents, tragically passed away after collapsing during the Jamesport Triathlon, an event he participated in annually.

The 54-year-old, based at Peconic Bay Medical Center, was an avid athlete and musician, often performing impromptu concerts in hospital lobbies with his musical partner, serenading patients and easing their post-surgery nerves. His colleagues remember him as a compassionate leader and mentor. His dedication earned him numerous awards, including the hospital’s Physician of the Year in 2012, and he served as chairman of the Department of Orthopedic Surgery for nine years.

Sultan was celebrated as a top specialist in hip and knee replacements, transforming the hospital’s orthopedic services. “He was a trusted figure who changed countless lives,” said hospital officials. A Harvard Medical School graduate, he helped many regain mobility, allowing them to enjoy their families and participate in daily activities once more.

Family and colleagues describe Sultan as a vibrant individual whose positive impact extended beyond his medical practice. His musical performances, often in scrubs during hospital visits, were a source of inspiration for staff and patients alike. “He believed music heals the soul as much as medicine heals the body,” shared Jerome Foster Lewis, his musical partner.

Since his passing, the hospital has felt an unusual silence, with staff mourning his loss. A prayer service is scheduled for Thursday morning at Tuthill-Mangano Funeral Home in Riverhead.