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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
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 Hospital
Wellstar Spalding Regional Hospital
Languages spoken
English
Videos
Pain Pathways give patients non-surgical care options
Dr. Marcus Gates provides world-class surgical treatment at Wellstar Cobb Hospital
Wellstar provides world-class care for a broad spectrum of neurovascular and spine conditions
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.6
4.6
Based on 243 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.80
Listened to me carefully
4.75
Shared the right amount of information
4.56
Earned my trust
4.47
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
Well located , very clean , staffed with kind and nice staff , especially the nurses , Dr was even attentive and I could understand the situation
November 17, 2023
5
The staff was very professional and friendly
November 12, 2023
5
Thanks Dr. Gates and staff
November 13, 2023
4
Was nervous about the appointment and I feel that the Dr and Nurse understood me Allowed me to take notes and repeated things for me
November 3, 2023
5
He was the best that I've ever had. I would ever use ... I would use him again. I recommend him to everybody that needs some type surgery. He was great, the staff was great. Everything was smooth and I felt cared for. I felt like he cared about me and how I felt and explained everything to my understanding. He was the best.
October 25, 2023
5
Yes, I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Gates, he was real personable. He said things in a manner that I could understand, and he went in detail about everything that was going to happen going forward. So that made me at ease, so I would recommend Dr. Gates. It was a good experience with the office staff and also Dr. Gates. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
5
Dr. Gates was excellent and very caring about my condition. I'm trusting him to get me better!! 10 + stars?
October 17, 2023
3
Hello Dr. Gates was very professional, very knowledgeable, very compassionate. He's a real, dude, appreciate that. He's got the favor God, and it means everything. Have a great day.
October 4, 2023
4
The waiting room out front did not have enough chairs for those of us that were waiting to be seen. Otherwise everything was good ??
October 1, 2023
5
Dr Gates and staff are very professional and listen intently to my needs.
September 28, 2023
4
It was a pleasant experience
September 23, 2023
5
The staff was very friendly and so, the doctor, Dr. Gates had a wonderful bedside manner.
September 23, 2023
5
Looking forward to getting the treatment I've been needing. I trust these people!
September 23, 2023
5
Dr Gates and team made me feel like I am being professionally taken care of. Another example of the first class care I get at Wellstar. Thank you
September 14, 2023
5
Such a caring staff and listened intently to concerns
September 8, 2023
4
Drs not focused on my original problem
September 8, 2023
2
When I went to the doctor but I didn't see the doctor,he was in the emergency surgery, so I can't answer any questions about the doctor because I never saw the doctor.
September 2, 2023
5
I was impressed with everyone in this encounter from the front desk all the through the process to the doctor. Absolutely impressive!!! This not my usual experience. Very refreshing ?
August 28, 2023
5
Dr. Gates listened and asked questions. I felt we had a solid plan put together.
August 26, 2023
5
Friendly staff
August 18, 2023
5
I was truly pleased with my visit.The physician and staff were grade A?
August 18, 2023
5
Staff is very kind and professional. My appointment was Very timely. I love it.
August 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and his assistant were very proactive in discussing and reassuring me with his diagnosis. Giving all the options for my future visits. It is nice to feel at ease and informed when the consultation is completed. .
August 13, 2023
5
Very professional and took the time to listen to my situation
August 13, 2023
5
Enjoyed visit with Dr Gates
August 13, 2023
5
Excellent person who took information and doctor had a nice and helpful attitude.
August 6, 2023
5
Simply amazing, every single person I encountered was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and swift. With Dr. Gates as well as the Nurse practitioner I felt heard (which is EXTREMELY important to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Everyone was amazing and so personable and seemed to truly care.
August 5, 2023
5
When I called to make an appointment I explained my situation, at that point the stuff should have known that Dr. Gates would not have been able to help me and it would have saved me a trip and a co-pay. So, they need to listen more closely to what the patient has to say. Thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Very professional
July 30, 2023
5
Well located , very clean , staffed with kind and nice staff , especially the nurses , Dr was even attentive and I could understand the situation
November 17, 2023
5
The staff was very professional and friendly
November 12, 2023
5
Thanks Dr. Gates and staff
November 13, 2023
5
He was the best that I've ever had. I would ever use ... I would use him again. I recommend him to everybody that needs some type surgery. He was great, the staff was great. Everything was smooth and I felt cared for. I felt like he cared about me and how I felt and explained everything to my understanding. He was the best.
October 25, 2023
5
Yes, I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Gates, he was real personable. He said things in a manner that I could understand, and he went in detail about everything that was going to happen going forward. So that made me at ease, so I would recommend Dr. Gates. It was a good experience with the office staff and also Dr. Gates. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
5
Dr. Gates was excellent and very caring about my condition. I'm trusting him to get me better!! 10 + stars?
October 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and staff are very professional and listen intently to my needs.
September 28, 2023
5
The staff was very friendly and so, the doctor, Dr. Gates had a wonderful bedside manner.
September 23, 2023
5
Looking forward to getting the treatment I've been needing. I trust these people!
September 23, 2023
5
Dr Gates and team made me feel like I am being professionally taken care of. Another example of the first class care I get at Wellstar. Thank you
September 14, 2023
5
Such a caring staff and listened intently to concerns
September 8, 2023
5
I was impressed with everyone in this encounter from the front desk all the through the process to the doctor. Absolutely impressive!!! This not my usual experience. Very refreshing ?
August 28, 2023
5
Dr. Gates listened and asked questions. I felt we had a solid plan put together.
August 26, 2023
5
Friendly staff
August 18, 2023
5
I was truly pleased with my visit.The physician and staff were grade A?
August 18, 2023
5
Staff is very kind and professional. My appointment was Very timely. I love it.
August 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and his assistant were very proactive in discussing and reassuring me with his diagnosis. Giving all the options for my future visits. It is nice to feel at ease and informed when the consultation is completed. .
August 13, 2023
5
Very professional and took the time to listen to my situation
August 13, 2023
5
Enjoyed visit with Dr Gates
August 13, 2023
5
Excellent person who took information and doctor had a nice and helpful attitude.
August 6, 2023
5
Simply amazing, every single person I encountered was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and swift. With Dr. Gates as well as the Nurse practitioner I felt heard (which is EXTREMELY important to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Everyone was amazing and so personable and seemed to truly care.
August 5, 2023
5
When I called to make an appointment I explained my situation, at that point the stuff should have known that Dr. Gates would not have been able to help me and it would have saved me a trip and a co-pay. So, they need to listen more closely to what the patient has to say. Thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Very professional
July 30, 2023
4
Was nervous about the appointment and I feel that the Dr and Nurse understood me Allowed me to take notes and repeated things for me
November 3, 2023
4
The waiting room out front did not have enough chairs for those of us that were waiting to be seen. Otherwise everything was good ??
October 1, 2023
4
It was a pleasant experience
September 23, 2023
4
Drs not focused on my original problem
September 8, 2023
3
Hello Dr. Gates was very professional, very knowledgeable, very compassionate. He's a real, dude, appreciate that. He's got the favor God, and it means everything. Have a great day.
October 4, 2023
2
When I went to the doctor but I didn't see the doctor,he was in the emergency surgery, so I can't answer any questions about the doctor because I never saw the doctor.
September 2, 2023
2
When I went to the doctor but I didn't see the doctor,he was in the emergency surgery, so I can't answer any questions about the doctor because I never saw the doctor.
September 2, 2023
3
Hello Dr. Gates was very professional, very knowledgeable, very compassionate. He's a real, dude, appreciate that. He's got the favor God, and it means everything. Have a great day.
October 4, 2023
4
Was nervous about the appointment and I feel that the Dr and Nurse understood me Allowed me to take notes and repeated things for me
November 3, 2023
4
The waiting room out front did not have enough chairs for those of us that were waiting to be seen. Otherwise everything was good ??
October 1, 2023
4
It was a pleasant experience
September 23, 2023
4
Drs not focused on my original problem
September 8, 2023
5
Well located , very clean , staffed with kind and nice staff , especially the nurses , Dr was even attentive and I could understand the situation
November 17, 2023
5
The staff was very professional and friendly
November 12, 2023
5
Thanks Dr. Gates and staff
November 13, 2023
5
He was the best that I've ever had. I would ever use ... I would use him again. I recommend him to everybody that needs some type surgery. He was great, the staff was great. Everything was smooth and I felt cared for. I felt like he cared about me and how I felt and explained everything to my understanding. He was the best.
October 25, 2023
5
Yes, I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Gates, he was real personable. He said things in a manner that I could understand, and he went in detail about everything that was going to happen going forward. So that made me at ease, so I would recommend Dr. Gates. It was a good experience with the office staff and also Dr. Gates. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
5
Dr. Gates was excellent and very caring about my condition. I'm trusting him to get me better!! 10 + stars?
October 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and staff are very professional and listen intently to my needs.
September 28, 2023
5
The staff was very friendly and so, the doctor, Dr. Gates had a wonderful bedside manner.
September 23, 2023
5
Looking forward to getting the treatment I've been needing. I trust these people!
September 23, 2023
5
Dr Gates and team made me feel like I am being professionally taken care of. Another example of the first class care I get at Wellstar. Thank you
September 14, 2023
5
Such a caring staff and listened intently to concerns
September 8, 2023
5
I was impressed with everyone in this encounter from the front desk all the through the process to the doctor. Absolutely impressive!!! This not my usual experience. Very refreshing ?
August 28, 2023
5
Dr. Gates listened and asked questions. I felt we had a solid plan put together.
August 26, 2023
5
Friendly staff
August 18, 2023
5
I was truly pleased with my visit.The physician and staff were grade A?
August 18, 2023
5
Staff is very kind and professional. My appointment was Very timely. I love it.
August 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and his assistant were very proactive in discussing and reassuring me with his diagnosis. Giving all the options for my future visits. It is nice to feel at ease and informed when the consultation is completed. .
August 13, 2023
5
Very professional and took the time to listen to my situation
August 13, 2023
5
Enjoyed visit with Dr Gates
August 13, 2023
5
Excellent person who took information and doctor had a nice and helpful attitude.
August 6, 2023
5
Simply amazing, every single person I encountered was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and swift. With Dr. Gates as well as the Nurse practitioner I felt heard (which is EXTREMELY important to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Everyone was amazing and so personable and seemed to truly care.
August 5, 2023
5
When I called to make an appointment I explained my situation, at that point the stuff should have known that Dr. Gates would not have been able to help me and it would have saved me a trip and a co-pay. So, they need to listen more closely to what the patient has to say. Thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Very professional
July 30, 2023
5
Well located , very clean , staffed with kind and nice staff , especially the nurses , Dr was even attentive and I could understand the situation
November 17, 2023
5
Thanks Dr. Gates and staff
November 13, 2023
5
The staff was very professional and friendly
November 12, 2023
4
Was nervous about the appointment and I feel that the Dr and Nurse understood me Allowed me to take notes and repeated things for me
November 3, 2023
5
He was the best that I've ever had. I would ever use ... I would use him again. I recommend him to everybody that needs some type surgery. He was great, the staff was great. Everything was smooth and I felt cared for. I felt like he cared about me and how I felt and explained everything to my understanding. He was the best.
October 25, 2023
5
Yes, I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Gates, he was real personable. He said things in a manner that I could understand, and he went in detail about everything that was going to happen going forward. So that made me at ease, so I would recommend Dr. Gates. It was a good experience with the office staff and also Dr. Gates. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
5
Dr. Gates was excellent and very caring about my condition. I'm trusting him to get me better!! 10 + stars?
October 17, 2023
3
Hello Dr. Gates was very professional, very knowledgeable, very compassionate. He's a real, dude, appreciate that. He's got the favor God, and it means everything. Have a great day.
October 4, 2023
4
The waiting room out front did not have enough chairs for those of us that were waiting to be seen. Otherwise everything was good ??
October 1, 2023
5
Dr Gates and staff are very professional and listen intently to my needs.
September 28, 2023
5
The staff was very friendly and so, the doctor, Dr. Gates had a wonderful bedside manner.
September 23, 2023
4
It was a pleasant experience
September 23, 2023
5
Looking forward to getting the treatment I've been needing. I trust these people!
September 23, 2023
5
Dr Gates and team made me feel like I am being professionally taken care of. Another example of the first class care I get at Wellstar. Thank you
September 14, 2023
5
Such a caring staff and listened intently to concerns
September 8, 2023
4
Drs not focused on my original problem
September 8, 2023
2
When I went to the doctor but I didn't see the doctor,he was in the emergency surgery, so I can't answer any questions about the doctor because I never saw the doctor.
September 2, 2023
5
I was impressed with everyone in this encounter from the front desk all the through the process to the doctor. Absolutely impressive!!! This not my usual experience. Very refreshing ?
August 28, 2023
5
Dr. Gates listened and asked questions. I felt we had a solid plan put together.
August 26, 2023
5
Friendly staff
August 18, 2023
5
I was truly pleased with my visit.The physician and staff were grade A?
August 18, 2023
5
Staff is very kind and professional. My appointment was Very timely. I love it.
August 17, 2023
5
Dr Gates and his assistant were very proactive in discussing and reassuring me with his diagnosis. Giving all the options for my future visits. It is nice to feel at ease and informed when the consultation is completed. .
August 13, 2023
5
Very professional and took the time to listen to my situation
August 13, 2023
5
Enjoyed visit with Dr Gates
August 13, 2023
5
Excellent person who took information and doctor had a nice and helpful attitude.
August 6, 2023
5
Simply amazing, every single person I encountered was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and swift. With Dr. Gates as well as the Nurse practitioner I felt heard (which is EXTREMELY important to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
When I called to make an appointment I explained my situation, at that point the stuff should have known that Dr. Gates would not have been able to help me and it would have saved me a trip and a co-pay. So, they need to listen more closely to what the patient has to say. Thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Everyone was amazing and so personable and seemed to truly care.
August 5, 2023
5
Very professional
July 30, 2023
5
Very professional
July 30, 2023
5
Everyone was amazing and so personable and seemed to truly care.
August 5, 2023
5
When I called to make an appointment I explained my situation, at that point the stuff should have known that Dr. Gates would not have been able to help me and it would have saved me a trip and a co-pay. So, they need to listen more closely to what the patient has to say. Thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Simply amazing, every single person I encountered was kind, friendly, knowledgeable and swift. With Dr. Gates as well as the Nurse practitioner I felt heard (which is EXTREMELY important to me). Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August 5, 2023
5
Excellent person who took information and doctor had a nice and helpful attitude.
August 6, 2023
5
Enjoyed visit with Dr Gates
August 13, 2023
5
Dr Gates and his assistant were very proactive in discussing and reassuring me with his diagnosis. Giving all the options for my future visits. It is nice to feel at ease and informed when the consultation is completed. .
August 13, 2023
5
Very professional and took the time to listen to my situation
August 13, 2023
5
Staff is very kind and professional. My appointment was Very timely. I love it.
August 17, 2023
5
I was truly pleased with my visit.The physician and staff were grade A?
August 18, 2023
5
Friendly staff
August 18, 2023
5
Dr. Gates listened and asked questions. I felt we had a solid plan put together.
August 26, 2023
5
I was impressed with everyone in this encounter from the front desk all the through the process to the doctor. Absolutely impressive!!! This not my usual experience. Very refreshing ?
August 28, 2023
2
When I went to the doctor but I didn't see the doctor,he was in the emergency surgery, so I can't answer any questions about the doctor because I never saw the doctor.
September 2, 2023
4
Drs not focused on my original problem
September 8, 2023
5
Such a caring staff and listened intently to concerns
September 8, 2023
5
Dr Gates and team made me feel like I am being professionally taken care of. Another example of the first class care I get at Wellstar. Thank you
September 14, 2023
5
Looking forward to getting the treatment I've been needing. I trust these people!
September 23, 2023
4
It was a pleasant experience
September 23, 2023
5
The staff was very friendly and so, the doctor, Dr. Gates had a wonderful bedside manner.
September 23, 2023
5
Dr Gates and staff are very professional and listen intently to my needs.
September 28, 2023
4
The waiting room out front did not have enough chairs for those of us that were waiting to be seen. Otherwise everything was good ??
October 1, 2023
3
Hello Dr. Gates was very professional, very knowledgeable, very compassionate. He's a real, dude, appreciate that. He's got the favor God, and it means everything. Have a great day.
October 4, 2023
5
Dr. Gates was excellent and very caring about my condition. I'm trusting him to get me better!! 10 + stars?
October 17, 2023
5
Yes, I enjoyed my visit with Dr. Gates, he was real personable. He said things in a manner that I could understand, and he went in detail about everything that was going to happen going forward. So that made me at ease, so I would recommend Dr. Gates. It was a good experience with the office staff and also Dr. Gates. Thank you.
October 18, 2023
5
He was the best that I've ever had. I would ever use ... I would use him again. I recommend him to everybody that needs some type surgery. He was great, the staff was great. Everything was smooth and I felt cared for. I felt like he cared about me and how I felt and explained everything to my understanding. He was the best.
October 25, 2023
4
Was nervous about the appointment and I feel that the Dr and Nurse understood me Allowed me to take notes and repeated things for me
November 3, 2023
5
The staff was very professional and friendly
November 12, 2023
5
Thanks Dr. Gates and staff
November 13, 2023
5
Well located , very clean , staffed with kind and nice staff , especially the nurses , Dr was even attentive and I could understand the situation
November 17, 2023
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.
