Named one of Baltimore Magazine’s Top Doctors, Dr. David Buchalter has quickly established himself as one of the region’s preeminent orthopaedic surgeons. Dr. Buchalter subspecializes in Sports Medicine and offers patients the most current minimally invasive surgery techniques, getting his patients back to into their game rapidly and safely.
Dr. Buchalter’s surgical practice focuses on both arthroscopic and minimally invasive reconstructions of the shoulder, knee and hip. He is one of the Mid-Atlantic region’s few orthopaedic surgeons trained to perform hip arthroscopy for labral tears and femoral acetabular impingement. Dr. Buchalter is the first and only surgeon to perform hip arthroscopy at Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC), one of Dr. Buchalter’s preferred hospitals along with Northwest Hospital and Sinai Hospital of Baltimore.
Throughout his career, Dr. Buchalter has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Cannon Scholarship, and remains academically involved. He continues to teach, research and present nationally on his published work.
Dr. Buchalter resides in Baltimore with his wife, Allison, and their two sons, Zachary and Dylan. Outside of the operating room, Dr. Buchalter enjoys tennis, basketball, golf, running, hiking and skiing. He also enjoys gardening and creating a bowl or two on the pottery wheel.
Q1: What is OrthoMaryland’s mission, and how has it shaped the practice over the past century?
OrthoMaryland’s mission has always been rooted in providing exceptional orthopaedic care to the communities we serve—first in Baltimore County and now extending into Harford County. For over a century, our commitment has remained steadfast: delivering expert, timely, and compassionate care that helps our patients move, heal, and thrive.
At the heart of OrthoMaryland is a shared purpose—one that goes beyond medical treatment. For the last 100 years, our team of professionals created a practice that feels like family, where both our patients and team members experience respect, support, and a true sense of belonging. Our promise is simple but powerful: to treat every individual with caring Orthopaedic excellence.
Q2: As OrthoMaryland celebrates 100 years in 2025, what are some of the pivotal moments that have defined its growth and evolution?
With OrthoMaryland’s 100th anniversary, we reflect on a century of growth, innovation, and dedication to providing exceptional orthopaedic care. Since opening our doors in 1925, our practice has continuously evolved to meet the changing needs of our patients and community.
A major step in our expansion came in 1972, when we opened a second office, allowing us to serve even more patients across the region. In 1998, we launched our annual education program, reinforcing our commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering excellence in orthopaedic care. The early 2000s brought several transformative moments: in 2001, we welcomed our first orthopaedic physician assistant, strengthening our team and improving patient access to specialized care. Just two years later, in 2003, we introduced physical therapy, integrating rehabilitation directly into our practice to provide more comprehensive treatment options.
Growth continued in 2004 with the addition of our first physiatry physician, broadening our expertise in musculoskeletal care. The following year, 2005, marked an important milestone as we hired our first female physician, reflecting our dedication to diversity and excellence in orthopaedic medicine. As our services expanded, we recognized the need for a dedicated surgical facility, leading to the opening of our outpatient surgery center in 2006, making high-quality, efficient surgical care more accessible to our patients.
Recognizing the importance of convenience and timely treatment, we introduced walk-in hours in 2012, followed by extended Saturday hours in 2018, and further expanded accessibility with Sunday hours and an in-office procedure room in 2022. Most recently, in 2024, we continued our evolution by incorporating chiropractic services, embracing a more holistic approach to musculoskeletal health.
Each of these pivotal moments has shaped OrthoMaryland into the practice it is today—a trusted leader in orthopaedic care that has stood the test of time. As we celebrate a century of service, we remain dedicated to innovation, excellence, and the well-being of our patients, ensuring that the next 100 years will be just as impactful as the first.
Q3: Maintaining a thriving private orthopeadic practice is no small feat. What have been some of the biggest challenges along the way, and how did OrthoMaryland overcome them?
One of the biggest challenges of maintaining a private orthopaedic practice has been navigating continual reductions in healthcare reimbursements for office-based physician care, which, combined with rising costs of providing care, creates significant financial pressures. Adding to this complexity are the increasing layers of government regulations and administrative requirements, which demand more time and resources from physicians and staff.
OrthoMaryland has met these challenges head-on by embracing innovation and adaptability. Recognizing the importance of balancing operational efficiency with exceptional patient care, we have invested in digital and IT solutions that streamline processes and enhance convenience for our patients. From online scheduling to digital check-in options upon arrival, these tools not only reduce expenses but also improve the overall patient experience.
Our ability to evolve with the times while staying true to our mission of delivering exceptional orthopaedic care is a testament to our resilience and commitment. Through every challenge, OrthoMaryland remains focused on what matters most: providing our patients with the best possible care in a modern, efficient, and patient-centered environment.
Q4: OrthoMaryland introduced a walk-in clinic to its services. Can you share the inspiration behind this decision and how it has impacted patient care?
The inspiration behind introducing a walk-in clinic at OrthoMaryland came directly from listening to our patients. We understood that healthcare needs don’t always align with traditional appointment schedules. Patients wanted the flexibility to seek care when it was convenient for them—whether that meant addressing an urgent injury or finding answers without the delay of scheduling.
With the launch of our walk-in hours, we’ve made it possible for patients to access expert orthopaedic care when they need it most, no appointment required. This service has not only provided convenience but also peace of mind, ensuring that immediate concerns are met with timely, specialized attention.
The impact has been transformative. As demand has grown, we’ve expanded our hours and locations, reaffirming our commitment to making expert orthopaedic care easily accessible. Whether it’s a sprain, fracture, or unexpected pain, OrthoMaryland’s walk-in clinic ensures our patients receive first-line access to skilled orthopaedic professionals, exactly when they need us.
Q5: Community and patient relationships are key to longevity. How has OrthoMaryland built and maintained trust with patients over the years?
Building and maintaining trust with our patients has been a cornerstone of OrthoMaryland’s longevity. At the heart of our approach is a commitment to orthopaedic excellence paired with genuine care and attentiveness. Our physicians and providers take the time to truly listen to each patient’s needs, ensuring they feel heard, respected, and confident in their care.
We’ve also worked to make accessing our services as seamless as possible. With a wide range of comprehensive services under one roof, including x-rays, braces, casting, physical therapy, and chiropractic care, we provide a streamlined experience designed for convenience and quality. Whether it’s a young athlete recovering from an injury or an older adult seeking relief from joint pain, we pride ourselves on delivering compassionate, personalized care for patients of all ages.
At OrthoMaryland, trust is built on the relationships we nurture, the consistency of our care, and our unwavering dedication to improving the lives of those we serve. For generations, our patients have come through our doors knowing they’ll receive not just expert treatment but also a level of care that reflects how much we value their trust.
Q6: How does OrthoMaryland stay connected with the local community? Are there any community programs or initiatives you’re particularly proud of?
OrthoMaryland has always been deeply connected to the local community, and we take pride in supporting the people and programs that make it thrive. One of the ways we do this is by sponsoring schools, sports programs, and teams, helping to foster active lifestyles and support young athletes in achieving their goals.
We’re also passionate about education and outreach. From hosting programs for assisted living centers to providing shadowing opportunities for future healthcare providers, we are committed to sharing knowledge and building relationships. Our annual education program for nurse case managers and community members is a particular point of pride. Through this initiative, we provide up-to-date information on the latest orthopaedic conditions and treatments, empowering both professionals and the community to make informed decisions about musculoskeletal health.
These efforts reflect our belief that staying connected to the community isn’t just about delivering care—it’s about being a partner in education, wellness, and growth. At OrthoMaryland, we don’t just serve the community; we’re part of it.
Q7: Looking ahead, what are your aspirations for OrthoMaryland’s next 100 years? Are there specific goals or visions you hope to achieve?
As OrthoMaryland looks ahead to the next 100 years, our aspirations are rooted in growth, innovation, and a continued commitment to our patients and communities. We envision expanding into more Maryland communities, ensuring that every Marylander has access to exceptional orthopaedic care—delivered when and where they need it most. Our goal is to bring our unique walk-in orthopaedic experience and expertise closer to home for even more families.
We firmly believe that the future of healthcare lies in accessible, patient-centered care, and we’re excited to lead the way. Over the years, we’ve broadened our services to include physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic care, and walk-in services, and we will continue to adapt and evolve based on the needs of our patients.
Listening to our patients has always been a cornerstone of our approach, and that will never change. As we look toward the future, we’ll combine patient feedback with cutting-edge advancements in healthcare to ensure we’re not just meeting expectations but exceeding them.
Our vision for the next century is clear: to grow, innovate, and remain a trusted partner in health and wellness for generations to come. OrthoMaryland’s legacy is one of excellence, and we’re excited to continue building on that foundation.
Q8: Orthopeadic care has evolved dramatically in the past century. What advances in treatment or technology do you find most exciting, and how have they transformed care at OrthoMaryland?
Orthopaedic care has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century, and we at OrthoMaryland are proud to have been pioneers in this evolution. A hundred years ago, orthopaedics was a general field, with no subspecialties. Our founding fathers were among the first to introduce subspecialization in Maryland, laying the groundwork for the highly advanced, patient-focused care we deliver today.
Now, every OrthoMaryland physician is Fellowship-trained and Board-Certified, ensuring an unmatched level of expertise in their respective fields. This specialization allows us to offer targeted, cutting-edge treatments tailored to the unique needs of each patient.
One of the most exciting advancements in recent years is the rise of minimally invasive surgical techniques. These procedures not only reduce the need for hospitalization but also significantly shorten recovery times. By performing surgeries in state-of-the-art outpatient surgery centers, we’ve made it possible for patients to return to their daily lives faster and with less discomfort.
Technology has also played a transformative role. From advanced imaging techniques like MRI and digital X-rays to innovative treatments such as robotic-assisted surgery and regenerative therapies, these advancements have revolutionized the way we diagnose, treat, and manage orthopaedic conditions.
At OrthoMaryland, we’re not just keeping pace with these innovations—we’re embracing them wholeheartedly to ensure our patients receive the highest standard of care. These advancements, combined with our legacy of expertise, have made modern orthopaedic care more effective, accessible, and patient-centered than ever before.
Q9: For patients or aspiring healthcare professionals, what lessons can be learned from OrthoMaryland’s 100 years of experience?
OrthoMaryland’s 100-year legacy offers invaluable lessons for both patients and aspiring healthcare professionals. At its core is a commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care that prioritizes the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole. This dedication has guided us through a century of growth, ensuring that we continue to evolve and adapt to the ever-changing healthcare landscape.
One of the most important lessons we’ve learned is the value of continuous innovation and adaptability. The healthcare environment is always shifting—whether through advancements in technology, changes in patient needs, or evolving regulations—and staying at the forefront requires a proactive mindset and a willingness to embrace change.
Equally important is the concept of teamwork and community. Our practice operates like a family, where mutual support and care among team members are essential to providing the best possible care to our patients. We’ve learned that when healthcare professionals prioritize supporting one another, the impact on patient outcomes is profound.
Finally, we believe in the power of selflessness and compassion. One of our guiding principles has always been to care more for others than yourself, a mindset that fosters trust, builds strong relationships, and ultimately leads to better care for every patient.
For patients, this means understanding the importance of partnership in their own care journey. For aspiring healthcare professionals, it’s a reminder that excellence comes from combining technical skill with empathy, innovation, and a deep commitment to serving others. These lessons, honed over a century, are what make OrthoMaryland a trusted leader in orthopaedic care and a model for the future of healthcare.
