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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
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
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Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.6
4.6
Based on 250 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.80
Listened to me carefully
4.72
Shared the right amount of information
4.56
Earned my trust
4.46
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
I'm positive that Dr Gates' excellence gave me the wonderful results that surgery provided. He is a great surgeon.
April 13, 2024
5
The whole staff was amazing. Every employee we encountered was wonderful and pleasant. You could really tell that this is a well run office. I was really happy with the care I received from the providers that I saw. (Dr. Gates and his NP)
April 7, 2024
5
Very courteous
April 7, 2024
5
DOCTOR GATES AND EVERYONE on his staff have treated me better than I would have expected in this new world we live in. FANTASTIC SERVICE..
April 6, 2024
5
Awesome. Personal and caring
April 5, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant office visit and got most of my questions answered. Waiting for test results now.
March 30, 2024
4
Thank you front and back office staff!!
March 29, 2024
5
Dr Gates, took the time to explain my test results where I could understand them.
March 23, 2024
4
I am happy with the doctor but I am not happy with the hospital
March 19, 2024
4
Everything was very nice. The doctor was very nice.
March 16, 2024
5
Everyone was very nice
March 13, 2024
5
From the entrance to the exit everyone were so nice and considerate. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Thanks for everything
March 10, 2024
5
My wait time was zero. Everyone was and always very pleasant.
March 2, 2024
4
This was my first meeting with Dr. Gates. It went very well.
March 1, 2024
5
I have had a great experience every time I've visited this office, from the front desk staff to the doctor.
February 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and staff are great
February 24, 2024
2
The only thing that I would have preferred is if the doctor would have followed up and said that our visit was complete. That wasn't done. A nurse was sitting in the room with my paperwork and I did a check out. I never saw him after that.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his whole staff were genuine and kind. I felt comfortable from the check-in with the receptionists, to the the aids and through the surgercal exam. Dr. Gates was detailed yet down earth in explaining my condition. I left relieved and pleased.
February 20, 2024
5
Everyone so sweet and caring! Absolutely love the care givers! They deserve an award for being absolutely beautiful and loving care!
February 18, 2024
5
Very professional
February 16, 2024
4
It was pleasant. Everyone was very helpful.
February 11, 2024
5
It was a complete pleasure to visit this office and meet Dr. Gates for the first time. I truly appreciate his professsional medical advice and attention.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for being so kind.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for listening, Dr. Gates. You made me feel comfortable and you showed humility in your responses. I know my issue wasn't as "serious" as many others who come in, but I felt just as valued as a patient and I also felt reassured in plan for next steps.
February 1, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was through, and actually took the time to show me images and explain in great detail. I felt understood and appreciated!! Thank you Dr. Gates!
January 28, 2024
4
Dr. Gates was very professional, very warm and caring. I would put my life in his hands in an instant and I just met him. So he's a very good doctor. The practice was good. I didn't have to wait long. It was overall a good experience.
January 21, 2024
5
Everyone was friendly, kind and informative!
January 19, 2024
5
I have faith in this provider due to his education,expert experience and care shown to my husband in a prior encounter.
January 16, 2024
5
Dr Gates and his entire staff are always very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate them all.
January 15, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his NP are so professional & so good at explaining things in detail and in a way that I can understand. Dr. Gates has by far been the best provider I've seen in my 56 yrs.
January 8, 2024
5
I'm positive that Dr Gates' excellence gave me the wonderful results that surgery provided. He is a great surgeon.
April 13, 2024
5
The whole staff was amazing. Every employee we encountered was wonderful and pleasant. You could really tell that this is a well run office. I was really happy with the care I received from the providers that I saw. (Dr. Gates and his NP)
April 7, 2024
5
Very courteous
April 7, 2024
5
DOCTOR GATES AND EVERYONE on his staff have treated me better than I would have expected in this new world we live in. FANTASTIC SERVICE..
April 6, 2024
5
Awesome. Personal and caring
April 5, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant office visit and got most of my questions answered. Waiting for test results now.
March 30, 2024
5
Dr Gates, took the time to explain my test results where I could understand them.
March 23, 2024
5
Everyone was very nice
March 13, 2024
5
From the entrance to the exit everyone were so nice and considerate. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Thanks for everything
March 10, 2024
5
My wait time was zero. Everyone was and always very pleasant.
March 2, 2024
5
I have had a great experience every time I've visited this office, from the front desk staff to the doctor.
February 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and staff are great
February 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his whole staff were genuine and kind. I felt comfortable from the check-in with the receptionists, to the the aids and through the surgercal exam. Dr. Gates was detailed yet down earth in explaining my condition. I left relieved and pleased.
February 20, 2024
5
Everyone so sweet and caring! Absolutely love the care givers! They deserve an award for being absolutely beautiful and loving care!
February 18, 2024
5
Very professional
February 16, 2024
5
It was a complete pleasure to visit this office and meet Dr. Gates for the first time. I truly appreciate his professsional medical advice and attention.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for being so kind.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for listening, Dr. Gates. You made me feel comfortable and you showed humility in your responses. I know my issue wasn't as "serious" as many others who come in, but I felt just as valued as a patient and I also felt reassured in plan for next steps.
February 1, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was through, and actually took the time to show me images and explain in great detail. I felt understood and appreciated!! Thank you Dr. Gates!
January 28, 2024
5
Everyone was friendly, kind and informative!
January 19, 2024
5
I have faith in this provider due to his education,expert experience and care shown to my husband in a prior encounter.
January 16, 2024
5
Dr Gates and his entire staff are always very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate them all.
January 15, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his NP are so professional & so good at explaining things in detail and in a way that I can understand. Dr. Gates has by far been the best provider I've seen in my 56 yrs.
January 8, 2024
4
Thank you front and back office staff!!
March 29, 2024
4
I am happy with the doctor but I am not happy with the hospital
March 19, 2024
4
Everything was very nice. The doctor was very nice.
March 16, 2024
4
This was my first meeting with Dr. Gates. It went very well.
March 1, 2024
4
It was pleasant. Everyone was very helpful.
February 11, 2024
4
Dr. Gates was very professional, very warm and caring. I would put my life in his hands in an instant and I just met him. So he's a very good doctor. The practice was good. I didn't have to wait long. It was overall a good experience.
January 21, 2024
2
The only thing that I would have preferred is if the doctor would have followed up and said that our visit was complete. That wasn't done. A nurse was sitting in the room with my paperwork and I did a check out. I never saw him after that.
February 21, 2024
2
The only thing that I would have preferred is if the doctor would have followed up and said that our visit was complete. That wasn't done. A nurse was sitting in the room with my paperwork and I did a check out. I never saw him after that.
February 21, 2024
4
Thank you front and back office staff!!
March 29, 2024
4
I am happy with the doctor but I am not happy with the hospital
March 19, 2024
4
Everything was very nice. The doctor was very nice.
March 16, 2024
4
This was my first meeting with Dr. Gates. It went very well.
March 1, 2024
4
It was pleasant. Everyone was very helpful.
February 11, 2024
4
Dr. Gates was very professional, very warm and caring. I would put my life in his hands in an instant and I just met him. So he's a very good doctor. The practice was good. I didn't have to wait long. It was overall a good experience.
January 21, 2024
5
I'm positive that Dr Gates' excellence gave me the wonderful results that surgery provided. He is a great surgeon.
April 13, 2024
5
The whole staff was amazing. Every employee we encountered was wonderful and pleasant. You could really tell that this is a well run office. I was really happy with the care I received from the providers that I saw. (Dr. Gates and his NP)
April 7, 2024
5
Very courteous
April 7, 2024
5
DOCTOR GATES AND EVERYONE on his staff have treated me better than I would have expected in this new world we live in. FANTASTIC SERVICE..
April 6, 2024
5
Awesome. Personal and caring
April 5, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant office visit and got most of my questions answered. Waiting for test results now.
March 30, 2024
5
Dr Gates, took the time to explain my test results where I could understand them.
March 23, 2024
5
Everyone was very nice
March 13, 2024
5
From the entrance to the exit everyone were so nice and considerate. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Thanks for everything
March 10, 2024
5
My wait time was zero. Everyone was and always very pleasant.
March 2, 2024
5
I have had a great experience every time I've visited this office, from the front desk staff to the doctor.
February 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and staff are great
February 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his whole staff were genuine and kind. I felt comfortable from the check-in with the receptionists, to the the aids and through the surgercal exam. Dr. Gates was detailed yet down earth in explaining my condition. I left relieved and pleased.
February 20, 2024
5
Everyone so sweet and caring! Absolutely love the care givers! They deserve an award for being absolutely beautiful and loving care!
February 18, 2024
5
Very professional
February 16, 2024
5
It was a complete pleasure to visit this office and meet Dr. Gates for the first time. I truly appreciate his professsional medical advice and attention.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for being so kind.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for listening, Dr. Gates. You made me feel comfortable and you showed humility in your responses. I know my issue wasn't as "serious" as many others who come in, but I felt just as valued as a patient and I also felt reassured in plan for next steps.
February 1, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was through, and actually took the time to show me images and explain in great detail. I felt understood and appreciated!! Thank you Dr. Gates!
January 28, 2024
5
Everyone was friendly, kind and informative!
January 19, 2024
5
I have faith in this provider due to his education,expert experience and care shown to my husband in a prior encounter.
January 16, 2024
5
Dr Gates and his entire staff are always very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate them all.
January 15, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his NP are so professional & so good at explaining things in detail and in a way that I can understand. Dr. Gates has by far been the best provider I've seen in my 56 yrs.
January 8, 2024
5
I'm positive that Dr Gates' excellence gave me the wonderful results that surgery provided. He is a great surgeon.
April 13, 2024
5
The whole staff was amazing. Every employee we encountered was wonderful and pleasant. You could really tell that this is a well run office. I was really happy with the care I received from the providers that I saw. (Dr. Gates and his NP)
April 7, 2024
5
Very courteous
April 7, 2024
5
DOCTOR GATES AND EVERYONE on his staff have treated me better than I would have expected in this new world we live in. FANTASTIC SERVICE..
April 6, 2024
5
Awesome. Personal and caring
April 5, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant office visit and got most of my questions answered. Waiting for test results now.
March 30, 2024
4
Thank you front and back office staff!!
March 29, 2024
5
Dr Gates, took the time to explain my test results where I could understand them.
March 23, 2024
4
I am happy with the doctor but I am not happy with the hospital
March 19, 2024
4
Everything was very nice. The doctor was very nice.
March 16, 2024
5
Everyone was very nice
March 13, 2024
5
From the entrance to the exit everyone were so nice and considerate. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Thanks for everything
March 10, 2024
5
My wait time was zero. Everyone was and always very pleasant.
March 2, 2024
4
This was my first meeting with Dr. Gates. It went very well.
March 1, 2024
5
I have had a great experience every time I've visited this office, from the front desk staff to the doctor.
February 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and staff are great
February 24, 2024
2
The only thing that I would have preferred is if the doctor would have followed up and said that our visit was complete. That wasn't done. A nurse was sitting in the room with my paperwork and I did a check out. I never saw him after that.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his whole staff were genuine and kind. I felt comfortable from the check-in with the receptionists, to the the aids and through the surgercal exam. Dr. Gates was detailed yet down earth in explaining my condition. I left relieved and pleased.
February 20, 2024
5
Everyone so sweet and caring! Absolutely love the care givers! They deserve an award for being absolutely beautiful and loving care!
February 18, 2024
5
Very professional
February 16, 2024
4
It was pleasant. Everyone was very helpful.
February 11, 2024
5
It was a complete pleasure to visit this office and meet Dr. Gates for the first time. I truly appreciate his professsional medical advice and attention.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for being so kind.
February 9, 2024
5
Thank you for listening, Dr. Gates. You made me feel comfortable and you showed humility in your responses. I know my issue wasn't as "serious" as many others who come in, but I felt just as valued as a patient and I also felt reassured in plan for next steps.
February 1, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was through, and actually took the time to show me images and explain in great detail. I felt understood and appreciated!! Thank you Dr. Gates!
January 28, 2024
4
Dr. Gates was very professional, very warm and caring. I would put my life in his hands in an instant and I just met him. So he's a very good doctor. The practice was good. I didn't have to wait long. It was overall a good experience.
January 21, 2024
5
Everyone was friendly, kind and informative!
January 19, 2024
5
I have faith in this provider due to his education,expert experience and care shown to my husband in a prior encounter.
January 16, 2024
5
Dr Gates and his entire staff are always very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate them all.
January 15, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his NP are so professional & so good at explaining things in detail and in a way that I can understand. Dr. Gates has by far been the best provider I've seen in my 56 yrs.
January 8, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his NP are so professional & so good at explaining things in detail and in a way that I can understand. Dr. Gates has by far been the best provider I've seen in my 56 yrs.
January 8, 2024
5
Dr Gates and his entire staff are always very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable. I truly appreciate them all.
January 15, 2024
5
I have faith in this provider due to his education,expert experience and care shown to my husband in a prior encounter.
January 16, 2024
5
Everyone was friendly, kind and informative!
January 19, 2024
4
Dr. Gates was very professional, very warm and caring. I would put my life in his hands in an instant and I just met him. So he's a very good doctor. The practice was good. I didn't have to wait long. It was overall a good experience.
January 21, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was through, and actually took the time to show me images and explain in great detail. I felt understood and appreciated!! Thank you Dr. Gates!
January 28, 2024
5
Thank you for listening, Dr. Gates. You made me feel comfortable and you showed humility in your responses. I know my issue wasn't as "serious" as many others who come in, but I felt just as valued as a patient and I also felt reassured in plan for next steps.
February 1, 2024
5
Thank you for being so kind.
February 9, 2024
5
It was a complete pleasure to visit this office and meet Dr. Gates for the first time. I truly appreciate his professsional medical advice and attention.
February 9, 2024
4
It was pleasant. Everyone was very helpful.
February 11, 2024
5
Very professional
February 16, 2024
5
Everyone so sweet and caring! Absolutely love the care givers! They deserve an award for being absolutely beautiful and loving care!
February 18, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his whole staff were genuine and kind. I felt comfortable from the check-in with the receptionists, to the the aids and through the surgercal exam. Dr. Gates was detailed yet down earth in explaining my condition. I left relieved and pleased.
February 20, 2024
2
The only thing that I would have preferred is if the doctor would have followed up and said that our visit was complete. That wasn't done. A nurse was sitting in the room with my paperwork and I did a check out. I never saw him after that.
February 21, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and staff are great
February 24, 2024
5
I have had a great experience every time I've visited this office, from the front desk staff to the doctor.
February 25, 2024
4
This was my first meeting with Dr. Gates. It went very well.
March 1, 2024
5
My wait time was zero. Everyone was and always very pleasant.
March 2, 2024
5
From the entrance to the exit everyone were so nice and considerate. I would recommend to anyone and everyone. Thanks for everything
March 10, 2024
5
Everyone was very nice
March 13, 2024
4
Everything was very nice. The doctor was very nice.
March 16, 2024
4
I am happy with the doctor but I am not happy with the hospital
March 19, 2024
5
Dr Gates, took the time to explain my test results where I could understand them.
March 23, 2024
4
Thank you front and back office staff!!
March 29, 2024
5
I had a very pleasant office visit and got most of my questions answered. Waiting for test results now.
March 30, 2024
5
Awesome. Personal and caring
April 5, 2024
5
DOCTOR GATES AND EVERYONE on his staff have treated me better than I would have expected in this new world we live in. FANTASTIC SERVICE..
April 6, 2024
5
Very courteous
April 7, 2024
5
The whole staff was amazing. Every employee we encountered was wonderful and pleasant. You could really tell that this is a well run office. I was really happy with the care I received from the providers that I saw. (Dr. Gates and his NP)
April 7, 2024
5
I'm positive that Dr Gates' excellence gave me the wonderful results that surgery provided. He is a great surgeon.
April 13, 2024
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.