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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
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
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
4.7
Based on 279 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
Doctor Gates was very kind and helpful and genuinely cared about my problems
December 22, 2025
5
Excellent visit with good listening quality and communication by Dr Gates. His staff also was kind and professional. I left feeling encouraged about my condition and knew what next steps I should take. That is exactly what I needed, and Dr. Gates provided simply and totally understandably.
December 21, 2025
4
Yes, I was very pleased with the staff and the way that they handled everything and communication. I was extremely pleased with the doctor. The only complaint I would have was I wished I had more time for questions.
December 19, 2025
5
This was my first visit and if they follow through with all the recommendations then I will be very pleased !!!!
December 17, 2025
5
Every time I come to this office they are ALL the most courteous, friendly, kind and professional staff I've ever encountered!!
December 15, 2025
5
Upon arrival to the office, it was very clean. The receptionists were very warm and welcoming. They remembered me, which is great. They were very attentive to the questions that I had. The doctor was very attentive to the questions that I had and went through everything really good. And I would refer them to anyone. And that's why whatever trouble I have back with this situation, any situation pertaining neuro, I would definitely go back to Dr. Gates and definitely refer him to different people because he is very good at what he does.
December 11, 2025
5
It was very good and enlightening.
December 8, 2025
5
I was very impressed. Dr. is so nice & made me feel comfortable. His staff was exceedingly kind. My BP was very high. We did not go to ER. It is 135/92 now. Still have headache though. I am pretty sure it's from my neck. If it gets worst I will go to ER, just not Austell Wellstar.
December 7, 2025
4
The staff was very friendly. Thank you.
December 6, 2025
5
Dr Gates and his staff are very personable kind and helpful I appreciate the service I received today thank you
December 4, 2025
5
Very good visit with Dr Gates and his PA Daniel.
November 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt at ease as soon as I signed in.
November 21, 2025
5
Every one in the office was so nice and helpful. They listened to everything I said and I would recommend them to everyone. Very happy with my appointment. I would definately go back.
November 9, 2025
5
Wonderful patient services. Everyone was very helpful front and back office staff.
November 7, 2025
5
The office staff were fantastic and friendly. They were professional and cheerful. Enjoyed my time there. The Doctor and his co-worker were very thorough and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with them.
November 2, 2025
5
I can say I had a WOW experience the knowledge and information that I received about my condition and the rout to take was what I needed I have been dealing with this pain for years and as I explained it to the doctor he knew exactly what I needed and did not jump the gun to cut on me I was extremely satisfied with my visit
November 1, 2025
5
Lindsey & Aveshia were awesome. Dr. Gates and the rest of the staff. Jessa & Katrina were all a pleasure to work with. Will definitely tell all my family members,& friends about professionalism that they all possessed.
October 31, 2025
5
Very thorough in explanations
October 24, 2025
5
This was my first appointment and everyone in the office made me feel welcomed. The front office staff were very polite.
October 17, 2025
5
Very informative and professional
October 13, 2025
5
The personnel at the front desk and all the other individuals were so professional and really, really nice, making me feel more comfortable about my situation and what I'm hoping to get out of recovery. The doctor is amazing, extremely thorough. I have to say he's the most thorough doctor I have seen for the issues of my back in years. And so I greatly appreciate his thoroughness, his professionalism, and I look forward to working with him to get myself a full recovery.
October 12, 2025
5
Dr. Gates has great bedside manners, he is very attentive and listens to what is being said. He has done a great job explaining what my options are with my circumstances.
October 11, 2025
5
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Gates and all of his staff from the moment I called to make an appointment till I got there till I met him and saw and met the staff very professional office.
October 11, 2025
5
Great and very nice to meet the whole team.
October 5, 2025
5
The entire office was exceptionally nice!?
October 5, 2025
4
Front office staff was courteous very polite.You could do better with the parking.
October 3, 2025
5
Dr. Gates, was very attentive to me. He Listens and answered my questions.
September 27, 2025
5
Dr Marcus Gates is the best neurosurgeon I have had.I had a very invasive surgery with him and it was geat !!!!.All the staff in his office is very friendly and professional. I recommended him and Lindsey,Aveshia,Jessa,Dayana,Demecia,Katrina and Daniel,VERY WELL.
September 25, 2025
5
My experience was great. Staff was friendly courteous
September 24, 2025
5
I had an appointment with Dr. Gates a couple of days ago and everybody was so gracious to me and so caring. I would recommend this practice and this doctor to anyone. Thank you for your care and your consideration.
September 24, 2025
5
Doctor Gates was very kind and helpful and genuinely cared about my problems
December 22, 2025
5
Excellent visit with good listening quality and communication by Dr Gates. His staff also was kind and professional. I left feeling encouraged about my condition and knew what next steps I should take. That is exactly what I needed, and Dr. Gates provided simply and totally understandably.
December 21, 2025
5
This was my first visit and if they follow through with all the recommendations then I will be very pleased !!!!
December 17, 2025
5
Every time I come to this office they are ALL the most courteous, friendly, kind and professional staff I've ever encountered!!
December 15, 2025
5
Upon arrival to the office, it was very clean. The receptionists were very warm and welcoming. They remembered me, which is great. They were very attentive to the questions that I had. The doctor was very attentive to the questions that I had and went through everything really good. And I would refer them to anyone. And that's why whatever trouble I have back with this situation, any situation pertaining neuro, I would definitely go back to Dr. Gates and definitely refer him to different people because he is very good at what he does.
December 11, 2025
5
It was very good and enlightening.
December 8, 2025
5
I was very impressed. Dr. is so nice & made me feel comfortable. His staff was exceedingly kind. My BP was very high. We did not go to ER. It is 135/92 now. Still have headache though. I am pretty sure it's from my neck. If it gets worst I will go to ER, just not Austell Wellstar.
December 7, 2025
5
Dr Gates and his staff are very personable kind and helpful I appreciate the service I received today thank you
December 4, 2025
5
Very good visit with Dr Gates and his PA Daniel.
November 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt at ease as soon as I signed in.
November 21, 2025
5
Every one in the office was so nice and helpful. They listened to everything I said and I would recommend them to everyone. Very happy with my appointment. I would definately go back.
November 9, 2025
5
Wonderful patient services. Everyone was very helpful front and back office staff.
November 7, 2025
5
The office staff were fantastic and friendly. They were professional and cheerful. Enjoyed my time there. The Doctor and his co-worker were very thorough and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with them.
November 2, 2025
5
I can say I had a WOW experience the knowledge and information that I received about my condition and the rout to take was what I needed I have been dealing with this pain for years and as I explained it to the doctor he knew exactly what I needed and did not jump the gun to cut on me I was extremely satisfied with my visit
November 1, 2025
5
Lindsey & Aveshia were awesome. Dr. Gates and the rest of the staff. Jessa & Katrina were all a pleasure to work with. Will definitely tell all my family members,& friends about professionalism that they all possessed.
October 31, 2025
5
Very thorough in explanations
October 24, 2025
5
This was my first appointment and everyone in the office made me feel welcomed. The front office staff were very polite.
October 17, 2025
5
Very informative and professional
October 13, 2025
5
The personnel at the front desk and all the other individuals were so professional and really, really nice, making me feel more comfortable about my situation and what I'm hoping to get out of recovery. The doctor is amazing, extremely thorough. I have to say he's the most thorough doctor I have seen for the issues of my back in years. And so I greatly appreciate his thoroughness, his professionalism, and I look forward to working with him to get myself a full recovery.
October 12, 2025
5
Dr. Gates has great bedside manners, he is very attentive and listens to what is being said. He has done a great job explaining what my options are with my circumstances.
October 11, 2025
5
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Gates and all of his staff from the moment I called to make an appointment till I got there till I met him and saw and met the staff very professional office.
October 11, 2025
5
Great and very nice to meet the whole team.
October 5, 2025
5
The entire office was exceptionally nice!?
October 5, 2025
5
Dr. Gates, was very attentive to me. He Listens and answered my questions.
September 27, 2025
5
Dr Marcus Gates is the best neurosurgeon I have had.I had a very invasive surgery with him and it was geat !!!!.All the staff in his office is very friendly and professional. I recommended him and Lindsey,Aveshia,Jessa,Dayana,Demecia,Katrina and Daniel,VERY WELL.
September 25, 2025
5
My experience was great. Staff was friendly courteous
September 24, 2025
5
I had an appointment with Dr. Gates a couple of days ago and everybody was so gracious to me and so caring. I would recommend this practice and this doctor to anyone. Thank you for your care and your consideration.
September 24, 2025
4
Yes, I was very pleased with the staff and the way that they handled everything and communication. I was extremely pleased with the doctor. The only complaint I would have was I wished I had more time for questions.
December 19, 2025
4
The staff was very friendly. Thank you.
December 6, 2025
4
Front office staff was courteous very polite.You could do better with the parking.
October 3, 2025
4
Yes, I was very pleased with the staff and the way that they handled everything and communication. I was extremely pleased with the doctor. The only complaint I would have was I wished I had more time for questions.
December 19, 2025
4
The staff was very friendly. Thank you.
December 6, 2025
4
Front office staff was courteous very polite.You could do better with the parking.
October 3, 2025
5
Doctor Gates was very kind and helpful and genuinely cared about my problems
December 22, 2025
5
Excellent visit with good listening quality and communication by Dr Gates. His staff also was kind and professional. I left feeling encouraged about my condition and knew what next steps I should take. That is exactly what I needed, and Dr. Gates provided simply and totally understandably.
December 21, 2025
5
This was my first visit and if they follow through with all the recommendations then I will be very pleased !!!!
December 17, 2025
5
Every time I come to this office they are ALL the most courteous, friendly, kind and professional staff I've ever encountered!!
December 15, 2025
5
Upon arrival to the office, it was very clean. The receptionists were very warm and welcoming. They remembered me, which is great. They were very attentive to the questions that I had. The doctor was very attentive to the questions that I had and went through everything really good. And I would refer them to anyone. And that's why whatever trouble I have back with this situation, any situation pertaining neuro, I would definitely go back to Dr. Gates and definitely refer him to different people because he is very good at what he does.
December 11, 2025
5
It was very good and enlightening.
December 8, 2025
5
I was very impressed. Dr. is so nice & made me feel comfortable. His staff was exceedingly kind. My BP was very high. We did not go to ER. It is 135/92 now. Still have headache though. I am pretty sure it's from my neck. If it gets worst I will go to ER, just not Austell Wellstar.
December 7, 2025
5
Dr Gates and his staff are very personable kind and helpful I appreciate the service I received today thank you
December 4, 2025
5
Very good visit with Dr Gates and his PA Daniel.
November 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt at ease as soon as I signed in.
November 21, 2025
5
Every one in the office was so nice and helpful. They listened to everything I said and I would recommend them to everyone. Very happy with my appointment. I would definately go back.
November 9, 2025
5
Wonderful patient services. Everyone was very helpful front and back office staff.
November 7, 2025
5
The office staff were fantastic and friendly. They were professional and cheerful. Enjoyed my time there. The Doctor and his co-worker were very thorough and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with them.
November 2, 2025
5
I can say I had a WOW experience the knowledge and information that I received about my condition and the rout to take was what I needed I have been dealing with this pain for years and as I explained it to the doctor he knew exactly what I needed and did not jump the gun to cut on me I was extremely satisfied with my visit
November 1, 2025
5
Lindsey & Aveshia were awesome. Dr. Gates and the rest of the staff. Jessa & Katrina were all a pleasure to work with. Will definitely tell all my family members,& friends about professionalism that they all possessed.
October 31, 2025
5
Very thorough in explanations
October 24, 2025
5
This was my first appointment and everyone in the office made me feel welcomed. The front office staff were very polite.
October 17, 2025
5
Very informative and professional
October 13, 2025
5
The personnel at the front desk and all the other individuals were so professional and really, really nice, making me feel more comfortable about my situation and what I'm hoping to get out of recovery. The doctor is amazing, extremely thorough. I have to say he's the most thorough doctor I have seen for the issues of my back in years. And so I greatly appreciate his thoroughness, his professionalism, and I look forward to working with him to get myself a full recovery.
October 12, 2025
5
Dr. Gates has great bedside manners, he is very attentive and listens to what is being said. He has done a great job explaining what my options are with my circumstances.
October 11, 2025
5
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Gates and all of his staff from the moment I called to make an appointment till I got there till I met him and saw and met the staff very professional office.
October 11, 2025
5
Great and very nice to meet the whole team.
October 5, 2025
5
The entire office was exceptionally nice!?
October 5, 2025
5
Dr. Gates, was very attentive to me. He Listens and answered my questions.
September 27, 2025
5
Dr Marcus Gates is the best neurosurgeon I have had.I had a very invasive surgery with him and it was geat !!!!.All the staff in his office is very friendly and professional. I recommended him and Lindsey,Aveshia,Jessa,Dayana,Demecia,Katrina and Daniel,VERY WELL.
September 25, 2025
5
My experience was great. Staff was friendly courteous
September 24, 2025
5
I had an appointment with Dr. Gates a couple of days ago and everybody was so gracious to me and so caring. I would recommend this practice and this doctor to anyone. Thank you for your care and your consideration.
September 24, 2025
5
Doctor Gates was very kind and helpful and genuinely cared about my problems
December 22, 2025
5
Excellent visit with good listening quality and communication by Dr Gates. His staff also was kind and professional. I left feeling encouraged about my condition and knew what next steps I should take. That is exactly what I needed, and Dr. Gates provided simply and totally understandably.
December 21, 2025
4
Yes, I was very pleased with the staff and the way that they handled everything and communication. I was extremely pleased with the doctor. The only complaint I would have was I wished I had more time for questions.
December 19, 2025
5
This was my first visit and if they follow through with all the recommendations then I will be very pleased !!!!
December 17, 2025
5
Every time I come to this office they are ALL the most courteous, friendly, kind and professional staff I've ever encountered!!
December 15, 2025
5
Upon arrival to the office, it was very clean. The receptionists were very warm and welcoming. They remembered me, which is great. They were very attentive to the questions that I had. The doctor was very attentive to the questions that I had and went through everything really good. And I would refer them to anyone. And that's why whatever trouble I have back with this situation, any situation pertaining neuro, I would definitely go back to Dr. Gates and definitely refer him to different people because he is very good at what he does.
December 11, 2025
5
It was very good and enlightening.
December 8, 2025
5
I was very impressed. Dr. is so nice & made me feel comfortable. His staff was exceedingly kind. My BP was very high. We did not go to ER. It is 135/92 now. Still have headache though. I am pretty sure it's from my neck. If it gets worst I will go to ER, just not Austell Wellstar.
December 7, 2025
4
The staff was very friendly. Thank you.
December 6, 2025
5
Dr Gates and his staff are very personable kind and helpful I appreciate the service I received today thank you
December 4, 2025
5
Very good visit with Dr Gates and his PA Daniel.
November 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt at ease as soon as I signed in.
November 21, 2025
5
Every one in the office was so nice and helpful. They listened to everything I said and I would recommend them to everyone. Very happy with my appointment. I would definately go back.
November 9, 2025
5
Wonderful patient services. Everyone was very helpful front and back office staff.
November 7, 2025
5
The office staff were fantastic and friendly. They were professional and cheerful. Enjoyed my time there. The Doctor and his co-worker were very thorough and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with them.
November 2, 2025
5
I can say I had a WOW experience the knowledge and information that I received about my condition and the rout to take was what I needed I have been dealing with this pain for years and as I explained it to the doctor he knew exactly what I needed and did not jump the gun to cut on me I was extremely satisfied with my visit
November 1, 2025
5
Lindsey & Aveshia were awesome. Dr. Gates and the rest of the staff. Jessa & Katrina were all a pleasure to work with. Will definitely tell all my family members,& friends about professionalism that they all possessed.
October 31, 2025
5
Very thorough in explanations
October 24, 2025
5
This was my first appointment and everyone in the office made me feel welcomed. The front office staff were very polite.
October 17, 2025
5
Very informative and professional
October 13, 2025
5
The personnel at the front desk and all the other individuals were so professional and really, really nice, making me feel more comfortable about my situation and what I'm hoping to get out of recovery. The doctor is amazing, extremely thorough. I have to say he's the most thorough doctor I have seen for the issues of my back in years. And so I greatly appreciate his thoroughness, his professionalism, and I look forward to working with him to get myself a full recovery.
October 12, 2025
5
Dr. Gates has great bedside manners, he is very attentive and listens to what is being said. He has done a great job explaining what my options are with my circumstances.
October 11, 2025
5
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Gates and all of his staff from the moment I called to make an appointment till I got there till I met him and saw and met the staff very professional office.
October 11, 2025
5
Great and very nice to meet the whole team.
October 5, 2025
5
The entire office was exceptionally nice!?
October 5, 2025
4
Front office staff was courteous very polite.You could do better with the parking.
October 3, 2025
5
Dr. Gates, was very attentive to me. He Listens and answered my questions.
September 27, 2025
5
Dr Marcus Gates is the best neurosurgeon I have had.I had a very invasive surgery with him and it was geat !!!!.All the staff in his office is very friendly and professional. I recommended him and Lindsey,Aveshia,Jessa,Dayana,Demecia,Katrina and Daniel,VERY WELL.
September 25, 2025
5
My experience was great. Staff was friendly courteous
September 24, 2025
5
I had an appointment with Dr. Gates a couple of days ago and everybody was so gracious to me and so caring. I would recommend this practice and this doctor to anyone. Thank you for your care and your consideration.
September 24, 2025
5
I had an appointment with Dr. Gates a couple of days ago and everybody was so gracious to me and so caring. I would recommend this practice and this doctor to anyone. Thank you for your care and your consideration.
September 24, 2025
5
My experience was great. Staff was friendly courteous
September 24, 2025
5
Dr Marcus Gates is the best neurosurgeon I have had.I had a very invasive surgery with him and it was geat !!!!.All the staff in his office is very friendly and professional. I recommended him and Lindsey,Aveshia,Jessa,Dayana,Demecia,Katrina and Daniel,VERY WELL.
September 25, 2025
5
Dr. Gates, was very attentive to me. He Listens and answered my questions.
September 27, 2025
4
Front office staff was courteous very polite.You could do better with the parking.
October 3, 2025
5
The entire office was exceptionally nice!?
October 5, 2025
5
Great and very nice to meet the whole team.
October 5, 2025
5
I had a very positive experience with Dr. Gates and all of his staff from the moment I called to make an appointment till I got there till I met him and saw and met the staff very professional office.
October 11, 2025
5
Dr. Gates has great bedside manners, he is very attentive and listens to what is being said. He has done a great job explaining what my options are with my circumstances.
October 11, 2025
5
The personnel at the front desk and all the other individuals were so professional and really, really nice, making me feel more comfortable about my situation and what I'm hoping to get out of recovery. The doctor is amazing, extremely thorough. I have to say he's the most thorough doctor I have seen for the issues of my back in years. And so I greatly appreciate his thoroughness, his professionalism, and I look forward to working with him to get myself a full recovery.
October 12, 2025
5
Very informative and professional
October 13, 2025
5
This was my first appointment and everyone in the office made me feel welcomed. The front office staff were very polite.
October 17, 2025
5
Very thorough in explanations
October 24, 2025
5
Lindsey & Aveshia were awesome. Dr. Gates and the rest of the staff. Jessa & Katrina were all a pleasure to work with. Will definitely tell all my family members,& friends about professionalism that they all possessed.
October 31, 2025
5
I can say I had a WOW experience the knowledge and information that I received about my condition and the rout to take was what I needed I have been dealing with this pain for years and as I explained it to the doctor he knew exactly what I needed and did not jump the gun to cut on me I was extremely satisfied with my visit
November 1, 2025
5
The office staff were fantastic and friendly. They were professional and cheerful. Enjoyed my time there. The Doctor and his co-worker were very thorough and knowledgeable. I felt comfortable with them.
November 2, 2025
5
Wonderful patient services. Everyone was very helpful front and back office staff.
November 7, 2025
5
Every one in the office was so nice and helpful. They listened to everything I said and I would recommend them to everyone. Very happy with my appointment. I would definately go back.
November 9, 2025
5
Very good visit with Dr Gates and his PA Daniel.
November 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice and friendly. I felt at ease as soon as I signed in.
November 21, 2025
5
Dr Gates and his staff are very personable kind and helpful I appreciate the service I received today thank you
December 4, 2025
4
The staff was very friendly. Thank you.
December 6, 2025
5
I was very impressed. Dr. is so nice & made me feel comfortable. His staff was exceedingly kind. My BP was very high. We did not go to ER. It is 135/92 now. Still have headache though. I am pretty sure it's from my neck. If it gets worst I will go to ER, just not Austell Wellstar.
December 7, 2025
5
It was very good and enlightening.
December 8, 2025
5
Upon arrival to the office, it was very clean. The receptionists were very warm and welcoming. They remembered me, which is great. They were very attentive to the questions that I had. The doctor was very attentive to the questions that I had and went through everything really good. And I would refer them to anyone. And that's why whatever trouble I have back with this situation, any situation pertaining neuro, I would definitely go back to Dr. Gates and definitely refer him to different people because he is very good at what he does.
December 11, 2025
5
Every time I come to this office they are ALL the most courteous, friendly, kind and professional staff I've ever encountered!!
December 15, 2025
5
This was my first visit and if they follow through with all the recommendations then I will be very pleased !!!!
December 17, 2025
4
Yes, I was very pleased with the staff and the way that they handled everything and communication. I was extremely pleased with the doctor. The only complaint I would have was I wished I had more time for questions.
December 19, 2025
5
Excellent visit with good listening quality and communication by Dr Gates. His staff also was kind and professional. I left feeling encouraged about my condition and knew what next steps I should take. That is exactly what I needed, and Dr. Gates provided simply and totally understandably.
December 21, 2025
5
Doctor Gates was very kind and helpful and genuinely cared about my problems
December 22, 2025
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.
