Dr. Marcus Gates is a neurosurgeon who specializes in minimally-invasive spine surgery, complex spinal disease, neuro-oncology and neuro-trauma.
Dr. Gates first found his passion for medicine after a serious car accident. While being treated, he was moved by the care and commitment of his medical team. In turn, Dr. Gates decided to dedicate his life to restoring patients to better health.
As a Georgia native, Dr. Gates represented his home state during his time at Fisk University in Nashville, Tennessee. At the prestigious institution, he earned a bachelor's degree in biology and graduated summa cum laude as the valedictorian.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Dr. Gates transitioned to Meharry Medical College where he also graduated as the valedictorian. During his time in medical school, he was drawn to the neurosciences and knew he could make a difference in the field.
Dr. Gates completed his residency at the world-renowned Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, serving as both chief resident and Instructor of Neurosurgery. He is also a member of the Congress of Neurological Surgeons (CNS) and American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Every day, Dr. Gates enjoys using his skills to take on challenging and complex neurological cases. However, the most fulfilling part of his work is developing personalized plans for his patients and improving their quality of life.
Meet Dr. Gates
Specialties
Neurosurgery
Spine Surgery
Education & Training
Meharry Medical College School of Medicine
Degree
Doctor of Medicine
Residency
Mayo Clinic Hospital
Certifications
American Board of Neurological Surgery
Hospital Affiliations
Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar Kennestone Hospital
Wellstar Douglas Hospital
Wellstar West Georgia Medical Center
Wellstar Sylvan Grove Hospital
Wellstar Paulding Medical Center
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Common Treatments, Conditions, and Procedures
Alternative to Spinal Fusion
Brain Tumor
Carpal Tunnel
Cranial Surgery
Disk Replacement Surgery
Minimally Invasive Spinal Fusion
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Motion Preservation Surgery
Outpatient Spine Surgery
Spinal Stenosis Surgery
Videos
Pain Pathways give patients non-surgical care options
Wellstar provides world-class care for a broad spectrum of neurovascular and spine conditions
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.7
Based on 310 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
Listened to me carefully
Shared the right amount of information
Earned my trust
All reviews have been submitted by patients after seeing the provider.For more information about the review system, check out this Learn more about our review system.
Patient Reviews
5
Excellent !!
October 9, 2026
5
It would be nice to see the office remodel completed, bring in the night crews
October 2, 2026
5
Very respectful and friendly
October 2, 2026
4
It is according to which hospital you go to Douglasville use only if you have to and I mean use only if you are going to die before you can get to another hospital
September 27, 2026
5
Thank you to everyone for such professional posters.
September 26, 2026
2
I was directed to the wrong specialist for this issue regarding an AVM. I will consult with my PC provider who gave me the referral!
September 24, 2026
5
Dr and staff where very professional and polite.
September 20, 2026
5
I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE CARE I RECEIVED WITH MY PROVIDER AND STAFF
September 14, 2026
5
They were very nice and I felt that for the first time of me coming in, I felt very welcome. Thank you.
September 13, 2026
4
Off to a good start. Dr Gates and staff punctual, personable, and professional.
September 13, 2026
5
Thank all of you for seeing me
September 11, 2026
5
My Doctor was very informative with his explanation of the surgical procedure I will need in the near future. His thorough explanation helped put me at ease with the decision to move forward with my needed medical care.
September 10, 2026
3
Received useful information to help understand the situation.
September 5, 2026
4
This was just a consultation. Section meeting will be after X-rays are completed. Dr Gates was very informative!!
August 28, 2026
5
Very nice people
August 28, 2026
5
I had my first surgery last year with doctor Gates I had good results. I am not afraid to have the second one with him. Doctor Gate is very knowledgeable, he is kind and he is Nice. You need more doctor Gates at Wellstar .I had a good day.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr gates and his staff are very friendly and informative however today I felt a little rushed by dr gates had some questions but felt a little guilty asking them because I might take up more time than than I should I am aware sometime this is an insurance requirement they don't allow drs to spend enough time on each patient
August 22, 2026
5
I experienced a very professional team.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Gates and his PA are outstanding and I would recommend them to any and everyone.
August 18, 2026
5
One of the best medical interviews I've had in 80+ years.
August 16, 2026
5
I was treated with respect and courtesy by entire staff. There also was no waiting, I was taken to an exam room quickly and Dr. Gates came in quickly too.
August 16, 2026
5
Awesome PROVIDER and bedside manner.
August 14, 2026
5
GREAT!!!!!
August 13, 2026
5
Dr. Gates is knowledgeable, personable, and listens. So happy we found him.
August 10, 2026
5
Awesome crew
August 9, 2026
5
I was very impressed of the alternative that Dr. Gates spoke to me about my condition. I was very comfortable with him and his staff, and they did a beautiful job. And I am so thankful that I met them and look forward to speaking with them if I have any other problems with my condition. Thank you so much for being a 10 plus provider.
August 9, 2026
5
Very professional, very personalized and made me feel comfortable.
July 26, 2026
5
As an initial visit which was as positive as my research had anticipated. Pleased with my decision
July 24, 2026
5
The staff was fabulous. The receptionist was so nice and obviously likes her job and the patients. The PA was a doll, just a lovely lady. Dr Gates was knowledgeable and very nice. I would definitely recommend this practice and will continue to go there. The whole visit was very good.
July 17, 2026
5
I was extremely amazed the way I was treated the doctor was so gentle and cared about my issue thanks a lot god bless your practice
July 16, 2026
5
Excellent !!
October 9, 2026
5
It would be nice to see the office remodel completed, bring in the night crews
October 2, 2026
5
Very respectful and friendly
October 2, 2026
5
Thank you to everyone for such professional posters.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr and staff where very professional and polite.
September 20, 2026
5
I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE CARE I RECEIVED WITH MY PROVIDER AND STAFF
September 14, 2026
5
They were very nice and I felt that for the first time of me coming in, I felt very welcome. Thank you.
September 13, 2026
5
Thank all of you for seeing me
September 11, 2026
5
My Doctor was very informative with his explanation of the surgical procedure I will need in the near future. His thorough explanation helped put me at ease with the decision to move forward with my needed medical care.
September 10, 2026
5
Very nice people
August 28, 2026
5
I had my first surgery last year with doctor Gates I had good results. I am not afraid to have the second one with him. Doctor Gate is very knowledgeable, he is kind and he is Nice. You need more doctor Gates at Wellstar .I had a good day.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr gates and his staff are very friendly and informative however today I felt a little rushed by dr gates had some questions but felt a little guilty asking them because I might take up more time than than I should I am aware sometime this is an insurance requirement they don't allow drs to spend enough time on each patient
August 22, 2026
5
I experienced a very professional team.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Gates and his PA are outstanding and I would recommend them to any and everyone.
August 18, 2026
5
One of the best medical interviews I've had in 80+ years.
August 16, 2026
5
I was treated with respect and courtesy by entire staff. There also was no waiting, I was taken to an exam room quickly and Dr. Gates came in quickly too.
August 16, 2026
5
Awesome PROVIDER and bedside manner.
August 14, 2026
5
GREAT!!!!!
August 13, 2026
5
Dr. Gates is knowledgeable, personable, and listens. So happy we found him.
August 10, 2026
5
Awesome crew
August 9, 2026
5
I was very impressed of the alternative that Dr. Gates spoke to me about my condition. I was very comfortable with him and his staff, and they did a beautiful job. And I am so thankful that I met them and look forward to speaking with them if I have any other problems with my condition. Thank you so much for being a 10 plus provider.
August 9, 2026
5
Very professional, very personalized and made me feel comfortable.
July 26, 2026
5
As an initial visit which was as positive as my research had anticipated. Pleased with my decision
July 24, 2026
5
The staff was fabulous. The receptionist was so nice and obviously likes her job and the patients. The PA was a doll, just a lovely lady. Dr Gates was knowledgeable and very nice. I would definitely recommend this practice and will continue to go there. The whole visit was very good.
July 17, 2026
5
I was extremely amazed the way I was treated the doctor was so gentle and cared about my issue thanks a lot god bless your practice
July 16, 2026
4
It is according to which hospital you go to Douglasville use only if you have to and I mean use only if you are going to die before you can get to another hospital
September 27, 2026
4
Off to a good start. Dr Gates and staff punctual, personable, and professional.
September 13, 2026
4
This was just a consultation. Section meeting will be after X-rays are completed. Dr Gates was very informative!!
August 28, 2026
3
Received useful information to help understand the situation.
September 5, 2026
2
I was directed to the wrong specialist for this issue regarding an AVM. I will consult with my PC provider who gave me the referral!
September 24, 2026
2
I was directed to the wrong specialist for this issue regarding an AVM. I will consult with my PC provider who gave me the referral!
September 24, 2026
3
Received useful information to help understand the situation.
September 5, 2026
4
It is according to which hospital you go to Douglasville use only if you have to and I mean use only if you are going to die before you can get to another hospital
September 27, 2026
4
Off to a good start. Dr Gates and staff punctual, personable, and professional.
September 13, 2026
4
This was just a consultation. Section meeting will be after X-rays are completed. Dr Gates was very informative!!
August 28, 2026
5
Excellent !!
October 9, 2026
5
It would be nice to see the office remodel completed, bring in the night crews
October 2, 2026
5
Very respectful and friendly
October 2, 2026
5
Thank you to everyone for such professional posters.
September 26, 2026
5
Dr and staff where very professional and polite.
September 20, 2026
5
I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE CARE I RECEIVED WITH MY PROVIDER AND STAFF
September 14, 2026
5
They were very nice and I felt that for the first time of me coming in, I felt very welcome. Thank you.
September 13, 2026
5
Thank all of you for seeing me
September 11, 2026
5
My Doctor was very informative with his explanation of the surgical procedure I will need in the near future. His thorough explanation helped put me at ease with the decision to move forward with my needed medical care.
September 10, 2026
5
Very nice people
August 28, 2026
5
I had my first surgery last year with doctor Gates I had good results. I am not afraid to have the second one with him. Doctor Gate is very knowledgeable, he is kind and he is Nice. You need more doctor Gates at Wellstar .I had a good day.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr gates and his staff are very friendly and informative however today I felt a little rushed by dr gates had some questions but felt a little guilty asking them because I might take up more time than than I should I am aware sometime this is an insurance requirement they don't allow drs to spend enough time on each patient
August 22, 2026
5
I experienced a very professional team.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Gates and his PA are outstanding and I would recommend them to any and everyone.
August 18, 2026
5
One of the best medical interviews I've had in 80+ years.
August 16, 2026
5
I was treated with respect and courtesy by entire staff. There also was no waiting, I was taken to an exam room quickly and Dr. Gates came in quickly too.
August 16, 2026
5
Awesome PROVIDER and bedside manner.
August 14, 2026
5
GREAT!!!!!
August 13, 2026
5
Dr. Gates is knowledgeable, personable, and listens. So happy we found him.
August 10, 2026
5
Awesome crew
August 9, 2026
5
I was very impressed of the alternative that Dr. Gates spoke to me about my condition. I was very comfortable with him and his staff, and they did a beautiful job. And I am so thankful that I met them and look forward to speaking with them if I have any other problems with my condition. Thank you so much for being a 10 plus provider.
August 9, 2026
5
Very professional, very personalized and made me feel comfortable.
July 26, 2026
5
As an initial visit which was as positive as my research had anticipated. Pleased with my decision
July 24, 2026
5
The staff was fabulous. The receptionist was so nice and obviously likes her job and the patients. The PA was a doll, just a lovely lady. Dr Gates was knowledgeable and very nice. I would definitely recommend this practice and will continue to go there. The whole visit was very good.
July 17, 2026
5
I was extremely amazed the way I was treated the doctor was so gentle and cared about my issue thanks a lot god bless your practice
July 16, 2026
5
Excellent !!
October 9, 2026
5
It would be nice to see the office remodel completed, bring in the night crews
October 2, 2026
5
Very respectful and friendly
October 2, 2026
4
It is according to which hospital you go to Douglasville use only if you have to and I mean use only if you are going to die before you can get to another hospital
September 27, 2026
5
Thank you to everyone for such professional posters.
September 26, 2026
2
I was directed to the wrong specialist for this issue regarding an AVM. I will consult with my PC provider who gave me the referral!
September 24, 2026
5
Dr and staff where very professional and polite.
September 20, 2026
5
I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE CARE I RECEIVED WITH MY PROVIDER AND STAFF
September 14, 2026
5
They were very nice and I felt that for the first time of me coming in, I felt very welcome. Thank you.
September 13, 2026
4
Off to a good start. Dr Gates and staff punctual, personable, and professional.
September 13, 2026
5
Thank all of you for seeing me
September 11, 2026
5
My Doctor was very informative with his explanation of the surgical procedure I will need in the near future. His thorough explanation helped put me at ease with the decision to move forward with my needed medical care.
September 10, 2026
3
Received useful information to help understand the situation.
September 5, 2026
4
This was just a consultation. Section meeting will be after X-rays are completed. Dr Gates was very informative!!
August 28, 2026
5
Very nice people
August 28, 2026
5
I had my first surgery last year with doctor Gates I had good results. I am not afraid to have the second one with him. Doctor Gate is very knowledgeable, he is kind and he is Nice. You need more doctor Gates at Wellstar .I had a good day.
August 23, 2026
5
Dr gates and his staff are very friendly and informative however today I felt a little rushed by dr gates had some questions but felt a little guilty asking them because I might take up more time than than I should I am aware sometime this is an insurance requirement they don't allow drs to spend enough time on each patient
August 22, 2026
5
I experienced a very professional team.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr. Gates and his PA are outstanding and I would recommend them to any and everyone.
August 18, 2026
5
One of the best medical interviews I've had in 80+ years.
August 16, 2026
5
I was treated with respect and courtesy by entire staff. There also was no waiting, I was taken to an exam room quickly and Dr. Gates came in quickly too.
August 16, 2026
5
Awesome PROVIDER and bedside manner.
August 14, 2026
5
GREAT!!!!!
August 13, 2026
5
Dr. Gates is knowledgeable, personable, and listens. So happy we found him.
August 10, 2026
5
I was very impressed of the alternative that Dr. Gates spoke to me about my condition. I was very comfortable with him and his staff, and they did a beautiful job. And I am so thankful that I met them and look forward to speaking with them if I have any other problems with my condition. Thank you so much for being a 10 plus provider.
August 9, 2026
5
Awesome crew
August 9, 2026
5
Very professional, very personalized and made me feel comfortable.
July 26, 2026
5
As an initial visit which was as positive as my research had anticipated. Pleased with my decision
July 24, 2026
5
The staff was fabulous. The receptionist was so nice and obviously likes her job and the patients. The PA was a doll, just a lovely lady. Dr Gates was knowledgeable and very nice. I would definitely recommend this practice and will continue to go there. The whole visit was very good.
July 17, 2026
5
I was extremely amazed the way I was treated the doctor was so gentle and cared about my issue thanks a lot god bless your practice
July 16, 2026
5
I was extremely amazed the way I was treated the doctor was so gentle and cared about my issue thanks a lot god bless your practice
July 16, 2026
5
The staff was fabulous. The receptionist was so nice and obviously likes her job and the patients. The PA was a doll, just a lovely lady. Dr Gates was knowledgeable and very nice. I would definitely recommend this practice and will continue to go there. The whole visit was very good.
July 17, 2026
5
As an initial visit which was as positive as my research had anticipated. Pleased with my decision
July 24, 2026
5
Very professional, very personalized and made me feel comfortable.
July 26, 2026
5
Awesome crew
August 9, 2026
5
I was very impressed of the alternative that Dr. Gates spoke to me about my condition. I was very comfortable with him and his staff, and they did a beautiful job. And I am so thankful that I met them and look forward to speaking with them if I have any other problems with my condition. Thank you so much for being a 10 plus provider.
August 9, 2026
5
Dr. Gates is knowledgeable, personable, and listens. So happy we found him.
August 10, 2026
5
GREAT!!!!!
August 13, 2026
5
Awesome PROVIDER and bedside manner.
August 14, 2026
5
I was treated with respect and courtesy by entire staff. There also was no waiting, I was taken to an exam room quickly and Dr. Gates came in quickly too.
August 16, 2026
5
One of the best medical interviews I've had in 80+ years.
August 16, 2026
5
Dr. Gates and his PA are outstanding and I would recommend them to any and everyone.
August 18, 2026
5
I experienced a very professional team.
August 21, 2026
5
Dr gates and his staff are very friendly and informative however today I felt a little rushed by dr gates had some questions but felt a little guilty asking them because I might take up more time than than I should I am aware sometime this is an insurance requirement they don't allow drs to spend enough time on each patient
August 22, 2026
5
I had my first surgery last year with doctor Gates I had good results. I am not afraid to have the second one with him. Doctor Gate is very knowledgeable, he is kind and he is Nice. You need more doctor Gates at Wellstar .I had a good day.
August 23, 2026
5
Very nice people
August 28, 2026
4
This was just a consultation. Section meeting will be after X-rays are completed. Dr Gates was very informative!!
August 28, 2026
3
Received useful information to help understand the situation.
September 5, 2026
5
My Doctor was very informative with his explanation of the surgical procedure I will need in the near future. His thorough explanation helped put me at ease with the decision to move forward with my needed medical care.
September 10, 2026
5
Thank all of you for seeing me
September 11, 2026
4
Off to a good start. Dr Gates and staff punctual, personable, and professional.
September 13, 2026
5
They were very nice and I felt that for the first time of me coming in, I felt very welcome. Thank you.
September 13, 2026
5
I WAS COMPLETELY SATISFIED WITH THE CARE I RECEIVED WITH MY PROVIDER AND STAFF
September 14, 2026
5
Dr and staff where very professional and polite.
September 20, 2026
2
I was directed to the wrong specialist for this issue regarding an AVM. I will consult with my PC provider who gave me the referral!
September 24, 2026
5
Thank you to everyone for such professional posters.
September 26, 2026
4
It is according to which hospital you go to Douglasville use only if you have to and I mean use only if you are going to die before you can get to another hospital
September 27, 2026
5
Very respectful and friendly
October 2, 2026
5
It would be nice to see the office remodel completed, bring in the night crews
October 2, 2026
5
Excellent !!
October 9, 2026
Publications and Articles
Defeating Pain with Successful Spine Surgeries at Wellstar
Barbara Deans was worried she would never walk again — until she went to Wellstar.
She had a herniated disc on her sciatic nerve, along with degenerative disease, which is one of the most common causes of back and neck pain. She had tried epidurals and other treatments without much improvement, and it got to the point where she couldn’t walk without taking heavy pain medication.
But Barbara was determined to stay mobile. She turned to Dr. Marcus Gates, a neurosurgeon at Wellstar Cobb Hospital, about her next steps. Barbara was a little hesitant about surgery, but after getting to know Dr. Gates and discussing her treatment options, she felt confident about conquering her pain.
“Dr. Gates made me feel comfortable,” Barbara said. “He explained all the details of the surgery, such as how long the incision would be and how long it would take. He has a great bedside manner.”
For Dr. Gates, surgery is about more than the procedure — it’s about the person and how he can help them live a fulfilling life.
“Everything is tailored to the patient. It's customized care,” Dr. Gates said. “So what I'm trying to do is listen to the patient, figure out what exactly they need and try to provide that care as efficiently as possible.”
Barbara said Dr. Gates helped ease her fears about surgery and envision her life without pain.
“Dr. Gates told me I would walk out of the hospital after surgery,” she said. “He inspired me, and I believed him.”Barbara was back to doing her usual activities the same day of the minimally invasive surgery.
To learn more about how you can find success through spine surgery and find a solution for your pain, make an appointment with Dr. Gates in Austell or Smyrna at (470) 956-4410.
