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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 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 287 patient ratings
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
I'd recommend this practice 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
Everyone was so nice. And Dr Gates is wonderful!!!!
February 7, 2025
5
They listened carefully to me and told me what next to be done. Thank you
February 6, 2025
5
I had a wonderful experience at my recent visit to this doctor's office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. The nurses were equally impressive-professional, kind, and attentive, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Grant took the time to listen to my concerns and explain everything in detail, making me feel heard and cared for. Lastly, I requested to speak with the office manager who was extremely helpful and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention I received from every member of the team truly exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for top-notch medical care!
January 29, 2025
4
Dr. Gates explained everything in detail, gives you plenty of time to think about everything he has told you. He allows and explained the answers to any and all questions that I had, even said to call them back if I had any more questions. I really appreciate a Dr that takes the time with you to make sure you understand what is going on with you and your body and what options you have or don't have and why. Very polite staff as well.
January 29, 2025
5
Dr. Gates explained everything to us. He pointed out things on the screen and on the model so that we could understand. He listened to us and answered questions we had.
January 25, 2025
4
The staff was very courteous and respectful. They listened to everything I had to say and base the plan of care from that. Overall, Dr. Gates and his staff were compassionate and inviting.
January 21, 2025
5
Everyone in this practice were friendly.
January 19, 2025
5
Dr. Gates immediately put me at ease when I met him. I consider my care and information given as excellent. Selena the office manager was A1 in the way my information was instructed. I was greeted by Loren on the front with professionalism and a smile. Jess was courteous and knowledgeable with all my concerns.Demeua gave me info on my upcoming procedure which put me at ease. My thanks to everyone.
January 19, 2025
5
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
January 17, 2025
5
I truly appreciate the staff and Dr. Gates. They make you feel comfortable and important
January 17, 2025
5
very nice doctor and staff
January 10, 2025
5
Everyone in the office was very professional
December 13, 2024
5
I being a healthcare provider myself, was very impressed on the professionalism and courtesy that I received from each staff member that I encountered in Dr. Gates' office. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable about my condition and was able to convey his diagnosis to me in layman's terms. I especially appreciated his methods of teaching to demonstrate my diagnosis. Dr. Gates was patient with me and very understanding. His bedside manner was excellent as well.
December 9, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is a GREAT doctor!!!
December 5, 2024
5
Everyone was great! Very friendly and capable office!
November 25, 2024
5
Wonderful
November 16, 2024
5
Excellent experience on time and very professional
November 8, 2024
5
Love the staff that helped me today.
November 8, 2024
5
Great experience
November 4, 2024
5
Also the nurses, the staff, and the scheduler was very, very nice and very kind. Thank you so much to each and every one.
November 6, 2024
5
My experience was very comforting. I like the service that I did receive and the provider answered all the questions that I needed answers to
November 2, 2024
5
Very good environment,caring
October 27, 2024
3
I actually didn't come in to see the doctor. The doctor had given me a call and explained my MRIs and what he saw and what he suggested and given me, and he had given me referrals to see two other doctors. But other than that, he was very knowledgeable about what was going on with me, and I do greatly appreciate that.
October 27, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his Team are awesome, I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality care.!!!!!
October 20, 2024
5
I love Wellstar and the providers
October 13, 2024
5
Dr Gates is a good Dr. All the staff is very nice.
September 23, 2024
3
Thank you.
September 19, 2024
5
The entire team was efficient and courteous. I felt very good about my upcoming procedure after meeting Dr. Gates.
September 15, 2024
5
Doctor was personable and highly knowledgeable
September 15, 2024
5
good
September 14, 2024
5
Everyone was so nice. And Dr Gates is wonderful!!!!
February 7, 2025
5
They listened carefully to me and told me what next to be done. Thank you
February 6, 2025
5
I had a wonderful experience at my recent visit to this doctor's office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. The nurses were equally impressive-professional, kind, and attentive, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Grant took the time to listen to my concerns and explain everything in detail, making me feel heard and cared for. Lastly, I requested to speak with the office manager who was extremely helpful and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention I received from every member of the team truly exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for top-notch medical care!
January 29, 2025
5
Dr. Gates explained everything to us. He pointed out things on the screen and on the model so that we could understand. He listened to us and answered questions we had.
January 25, 2025
5
Everyone in this practice were friendly.
January 19, 2025
5
Dr. Gates immediately put me at ease when I met him. I consider my care and information given as excellent. Selena the office manager was A1 in the way my information was instructed. I was greeted by Loren on the front with professionalism and a smile. Jess was courteous and knowledgeable with all my concerns.Demeua gave me info on my upcoming procedure which put me at ease. My thanks to everyone.
January 19, 2025
5
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
January 17, 2025
5
I truly appreciate the staff and Dr. Gates. They make you feel comfortable and important
January 17, 2025
5
very nice doctor and staff
January 10, 2025
5
Everyone in the office was very professional
December 13, 2024
5
I being a healthcare provider myself, was very impressed on the professionalism and courtesy that I received from each staff member that I encountered in Dr. Gates' office. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable about my condition and was able to convey his diagnosis to me in layman's terms. I especially appreciated his methods of teaching to demonstrate my diagnosis. Dr. Gates was patient with me and very understanding. His bedside manner was excellent as well.
December 9, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is a GREAT doctor!!!
December 5, 2024
5
Everyone was great! Very friendly and capable office!
November 25, 2024
5
Wonderful
November 16, 2024
5
Excellent experience on time and very professional
November 8, 2024
5
Love the staff that helped me today.
November 8, 2024
5
Great experience
November 4, 2024
5
Also the nurses, the staff, and the scheduler was very, very nice and very kind. Thank you so much to each and every one.
November 6, 2024
5
My experience was very comforting. I like the service that I did receive and the provider answered all the questions that I needed answers to
November 2, 2024
5
Very good environment,caring
October 27, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his Team are awesome, I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality care.!!!!!
October 20, 2024
5
I love Wellstar and the providers
October 13, 2024
5
Dr Gates is a good Dr. All the staff is very nice.
September 23, 2024
5
The entire team was efficient and courteous. I felt very good about my upcoming procedure after meeting Dr. Gates.
September 15, 2024
5
Doctor was personable and highly knowledgeable
September 15, 2024
5
good
September 14, 2024
4
Dr. Gates explained everything in detail, gives you plenty of time to think about everything he has told you. He allows and explained the answers to any and all questions that I had, even said to call them back if I had any more questions. I really appreciate a Dr that takes the time with you to make sure you understand what is going on with you and your body and what options you have or don't have and why. Very polite staff as well.
January 29, 2025
4
The staff was very courteous and respectful. They listened to everything I had to say and base the plan of care from that. Overall, Dr. Gates and his staff were compassionate and inviting.
January 21, 2025
3
I actually didn't come in to see the doctor. The doctor had given me a call and explained my MRIs and what he saw and what he suggested and given me, and he had given me referrals to see two other doctors. But other than that, he was very knowledgeable about what was going on with me, and I do greatly appreciate that.
October 27, 2024
3
Thank you.
September 19, 2024
3
I actually didn't come in to see the doctor. The doctor had given me a call and explained my MRIs and what he saw and what he suggested and given me, and he had given me referrals to see two other doctors. But other than that, he was very knowledgeable about what was going on with me, and I do greatly appreciate that.
October 27, 2024
3
Thank you.
September 19, 2024
4
Dr. Gates explained everything in detail, gives you plenty of time to think about everything he has told you. He allows and explained the answers to any and all questions that I had, even said to call them back if I had any more questions. I really appreciate a Dr that takes the time with you to make sure you understand what is going on with you and your body and what options you have or don't have and why. Very polite staff as well.
January 29, 2025
4
The staff was very courteous and respectful. They listened to everything I had to say and base the plan of care from that. Overall, Dr. Gates and his staff were compassionate and inviting.
January 21, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice. And Dr Gates is wonderful!!!!
February 7, 2025
5
They listened carefully to me and told me what next to be done. Thank you
February 6, 2025
5
I had a wonderful experience at my recent visit to this doctor's office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. The nurses were equally impressive-professional, kind, and attentive, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Grant took the time to listen to my concerns and explain everything in detail, making me feel heard and cared for. Lastly, I requested to speak with the office manager who was extremely helpful and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention I received from every member of the team truly exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for top-notch medical care!
January 29, 2025
5
Dr. Gates explained everything to us. He pointed out things on the screen and on the model so that we could understand. He listened to us and answered questions we had.
January 25, 2025
5
Everyone in this practice were friendly.
January 19, 2025
5
Dr. Gates immediately put me at ease when I met him. I consider my care and information given as excellent. Selena the office manager was A1 in the way my information was instructed. I was greeted by Loren on the front with professionalism and a smile. Jess was courteous and knowledgeable with all my concerns.Demeua gave me info on my upcoming procedure which put me at ease. My thanks to everyone.
January 19, 2025
5
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
January 17, 2025
5
I truly appreciate the staff and Dr. Gates. They make you feel comfortable and important
January 17, 2025
5
very nice doctor and staff
January 10, 2025
5
Everyone in the office was very professional
December 13, 2024
5
I being a healthcare provider myself, was very impressed on the professionalism and courtesy that I received from each staff member that I encountered in Dr. Gates' office. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable about my condition and was able to convey his diagnosis to me in layman's terms. I especially appreciated his methods of teaching to demonstrate my diagnosis. Dr. Gates was patient with me and very understanding. His bedside manner was excellent as well.
December 9, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is a GREAT doctor!!!
December 5, 2024
5
Everyone was great! Very friendly and capable office!
November 25, 2024
5
Wonderful
November 16, 2024
5
Excellent experience on time and very professional
November 8, 2024
5
Love the staff that helped me today.
November 8, 2024
5
Great experience
November 4, 2024
5
Also the nurses, the staff, and the scheduler was very, very nice and very kind. Thank you so much to each and every one.
November 6, 2024
5
My experience was very comforting. I like the service that I did receive and the provider answered all the questions that I needed answers to
November 2, 2024
5
Very good environment,caring
October 27, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his Team are awesome, I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality care.!!!!!
October 20, 2024
5
I love Wellstar and the providers
October 13, 2024
5
Dr Gates is a good Dr. All the staff is very nice.
September 23, 2024
5
The entire team was efficient and courteous. I felt very good about my upcoming procedure after meeting Dr. Gates.
September 15, 2024
5
Doctor was personable and highly knowledgeable
September 15, 2024
5
good
September 14, 2024
5
Everyone was so nice. And Dr Gates is wonderful!!!!
February 7, 2025
5
They listened carefully to me and told me what next to be done. Thank you
February 6, 2025
5
I had a wonderful experience at my recent visit to this doctor's office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. The nurses were equally impressive-professional, kind, and attentive, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Grant took the time to listen to my concerns and explain everything in detail, making me feel heard and cared for. Lastly, I requested to speak with the office manager who was extremely helpful and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention I received from every member of the team truly exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for top-notch medical care!
January 29, 2025
4
Dr. Gates explained everything in detail, gives you plenty of time to think about everything he has told you. He allows and explained the answers to any and all questions that I had, even said to call them back if I had any more questions. I really appreciate a Dr that takes the time with you to make sure you understand what is going on with you and your body and what options you have or don't have and why. Very polite staff as well.
January 29, 2025
5
Dr. Gates explained everything to us. He pointed out things on the screen and on the model so that we could understand. He listened to us and answered questions we had.
January 25, 2025
4
The staff was very courteous and respectful. They listened to everything I had to say and base the plan of care from that. Overall, Dr. Gates and his staff were compassionate and inviting.
January 21, 2025
5
Everyone in this practice were friendly.
January 19, 2025
5
Dr. Gates immediately put me at ease when I met him. I consider my care and information given as excellent. Selena the office manager was A1 in the way my information was instructed. I was greeted by Loren on the front with professionalism and a smile. Jess was courteous and knowledgeable with all my concerns.Demeua gave me info on my upcoming procedure which put me at ease. My thanks to everyone.
January 19, 2025
5
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
January 17, 2025
5
I truly appreciate the staff and Dr. Gates. They make you feel comfortable and important
January 17, 2025
5
very nice doctor and staff
January 10, 2025
5
Everyone in the office was very professional
December 13, 2024
5
I being a healthcare provider myself, was very impressed on the professionalism and courtesy that I received from each staff member that I encountered in Dr. Gates' office. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable about my condition and was able to convey his diagnosis to me in layman's terms. I especially appreciated his methods of teaching to demonstrate my diagnosis. Dr. Gates was patient with me and very understanding. His bedside manner was excellent as well.
December 9, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is a GREAT doctor!!!
December 5, 2024
5
Everyone was great! Very friendly and capable office!
November 25, 2024
5
Wonderful
November 16, 2024
5
Excellent experience on time and very professional
November 8, 2024
5
Love the staff that helped me today.
November 8, 2024
5
Also the nurses, the staff, and the scheduler was very, very nice and very kind. Thank you so much to each and every one.
November 6, 2024
5
Great experience
November 4, 2024
5
My experience was very comforting. I like the service that I did receive and the provider answered all the questions that I needed answers to
November 2, 2024
5
Very good environment,caring
October 27, 2024
3
I actually didn't come in to see the doctor. The doctor had given me a call and explained my MRIs and what he saw and what he suggested and given me, and he had given me referrals to see two other doctors. But other than that, he was very knowledgeable about what was going on with me, and I do greatly appreciate that.
October 27, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his Team are awesome, I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality care.!!!!!
October 20, 2024
5
I love Wellstar and the providers
October 13, 2024
5
Dr Gates is a good Dr. All the staff is very nice.
September 23, 2024
3
Thank you.
September 19, 2024
5
The entire team was efficient and courteous. I felt very good about my upcoming procedure after meeting Dr. Gates.
September 15, 2024
5
Doctor was personable and highly knowledgeable
September 15, 2024
5
good
September 14, 2024
5
good
September 14, 2024
5
Doctor was personable and highly knowledgeable
September 15, 2024
5
The entire team was efficient and courteous. I felt very good about my upcoming procedure after meeting Dr. Gates.
September 15, 2024
3
Thank you.
September 19, 2024
5
Dr Gates is a good Dr. All the staff is very nice.
September 23, 2024
5
I love Wellstar and the providers
October 13, 2024
5
Dr. Gates and his Team are awesome, I would recommend them to anyone who needs quality care.!!!!!
October 20, 2024
3
I actually didn't come in to see the doctor. The doctor had given me a call and explained my MRIs and what he saw and what he suggested and given me, and he had given me referrals to see two other doctors. But other than that, he was very knowledgeable about what was going on with me, and I do greatly appreciate that.
October 27, 2024
5
Very good environment,caring
October 27, 2024
5
My experience was very comforting. I like the service that I did receive and the provider answered all the questions that I needed answers to
November 2, 2024
5
Great experience
November 4, 2024
5
Also the nurses, the staff, and the scheduler was very, very nice and very kind. Thank you so much to each and every one.
November 6, 2024
5
Love the staff that helped me today.
November 8, 2024
5
Excellent experience on time and very professional
November 8, 2024
5
Wonderful
November 16, 2024
5
Everyone was great! Very friendly and capable office!
November 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is a GREAT doctor!!!
December 5, 2024
5
I being a healthcare provider myself, was very impressed on the professionalism and courtesy that I received from each staff member that I encountered in Dr. Gates' office. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable about my condition and was able to convey his diagnosis to me in layman's terms. I especially appreciated his methods of teaching to demonstrate my diagnosis. Dr. Gates was patient with me and very understanding. His bedside manner was excellent as well.
December 9, 2024
5
Everyone in the office was very professional
December 13, 2024
5
very nice doctor and staff
January 10, 2025
5
I truly appreciate the staff and Dr. Gates. They make you feel comfortable and important
January 17, 2025
5
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK.
January 17, 2025
5
Dr. Gates immediately put me at ease when I met him. I consider my care and information given as excellent. Selena the office manager was A1 in the way my information was instructed. I was greeted by Loren on the front with professionalism and a smile. Jess was courteous and knowledgeable with all my concerns.Demeua gave me info on my upcoming procedure which put me at ease. My thanks to everyone.
January 19, 2025
5
Everyone in this practice were friendly.
January 19, 2025
4
The staff was very courteous and respectful. They listened to everything I had to say and base the plan of care from that. Overall, Dr. Gates and his staff were compassionate and inviting.
January 21, 2025
5
Dr. Gates explained everything to us. He pointed out things on the screen and on the model so that we could understand. He listened to us and answered questions we had.
January 25, 2025
4
Dr. Gates explained everything in detail, gives you plenty of time to think about everything he has told you. He allows and explained the answers to any and all questions that I had, even said to call them back if I had any more questions. I really appreciate a Dr that takes the time with you to make sure you understand what is going on with you and your body and what options you have or don't have and why. Very polite staff as well.
January 29, 2025
5
I had a wonderful experience at my recent visit to this doctor's office. From the moment I walked in, the front desk staff was friendly and welcoming, making the check-in process smooth and efficient. The nurses were equally impressive-professional, kind, and attentive, ensuring I felt comfortable throughout the entire visit. Dr. Grant took the time to listen to my concerns and explain everything in detail, making me feel heard and cared for. Lastly, I requested to speak with the office manager who was extremely helpful and ensured that all my questions were answered. The level of care and attention I received from every member of the team truly exceeded my expectations. Highly recommend this practice to anyone looking for top-notch medical care!
January 29, 2025
5
They listened carefully to me and told me what next to be done. Thank you
February 6, 2025
5
Everyone was so nice. And Dr Gates is wonderful!!!!
February 7, 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.
