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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
Patient Reviews
Overall patient rating
4.7
Based on 285 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
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
Incredible experience from booking my appointment through checking out!!!!
September 8, 2024
3
I was taken back 30 minutes late and the doctor came in a rushed through the appointment. He was cutting me off whenever I would speak and he was talking very quickly. He was clearly in a hurry. I've never felt more rushed in by a doctor before. I've been experiencing serious constant pain for over a month and was looking forward to this appointment only to be rushed through it. He left before I was able to ask everything I wanted to ask and I felt like he didn't care at all about the seriousness of my situation. It was very disappointing.
September 6, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is very knowledgeable and has a very comforting tone that helps to make you feel better even though you know you might have a serious health problem. Makes you feel confident that he is capable of helping you to have a good outcome no matter what the diagnosis is.
September 6, 2024
5
Every one was nice
August 27, 2024
5
Starting with the staff, they were just as cordial and nice as could be. You couldn't ask for better. The nurse that did the blood pressure and everything, first thing she washed her hands and she smiled. She was just as graceful and couldn't ask for better. As far as Dr. Gates, he was real informative. Told me what to do, how to do it. And I know eventually I'll see him again and I hope it is him that I get to see. I trust him wholeheartedly. Thank you. Bye.
August 25, 2024
5
Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Thanks!
August 23, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was professional, attentive, kind, and is an asset to Wellstar. His staff from the front desk to the check out were wonderful. Shout out to Joscylen.
August 24, 2024
5
I appreciate it the fact that the doctor was very personable, made introductions, and answered all of my many questions
August 18, 2024
5
Everything was explained fully.
August 17, 2024
5
Staff members were caring and helpful. They were very professional and concerned. Overall, felt well taken care of.
August 10, 2024
5
Very professional. The office called me almost as soon as my PCP put in the referral to neurosurgery. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable and personable.
August 10, 2024
5
Great personalities in this office!
August 9, 2024
5
I felt Dr. Gates was pleasant knowledgeable, and shared a great deal more information about my condition than I've received previously. I would certainly come to him should I my condition, worsen, or if I would ultimately need surgery.
August 9, 2024
5
I trust and appreciate this doctors office they listen to your problems. Very truthful about any issues you may have.
August 8, 2024
5
The Dr let me ask all my questions. He explained the procedure with my CT scan showing me the way. Answered my as well so I didn't have to repeat My scary moment.
August 7, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 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
Incredible experience from booking my appointment through checking out!!!!
September 8, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is very knowledgeable and has a very comforting tone that helps to make you feel better even though you know you might have a serious health problem. Makes you feel confident that he is capable of helping you to have a good outcome no matter what the diagnosis is.
September 6, 2024
5
Every one was nice
August 27, 2024
5
Starting with the staff, they were just as cordial and nice as could be. You couldn't ask for better. The nurse that did the blood pressure and everything, first thing she washed her hands and she smiled. She was just as graceful and couldn't ask for better. As far as Dr. Gates, he was real informative. Told me what to do, how to do it. And I know eventually I'll see him again and I hope it is him that I get to see. I trust him wholeheartedly. Thank you. Bye.
August 25, 2024
5
Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Thanks!
August 23, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was professional, attentive, kind, and is an asset to Wellstar. His staff from the front desk to the check out were wonderful. Shout out to Joscylen.
August 24, 2024
5
I appreciate it the fact that the doctor was very personable, made introductions, and answered all of my many questions
August 18, 2024
5
Everything was explained fully.
August 17, 2024
5
Staff members were caring and helpful. They were very professional and concerned. Overall, felt well taken care of.
August 10, 2024
5
Very professional. The office called me almost as soon as my PCP put in the referral to neurosurgery. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable and personable.
August 10, 2024
5
Great personalities in this office!
August 9, 2024
5
I felt Dr. Gates was pleasant knowledgeable, and shared a great deal more information about my condition than I've received previously. I would certainly come to him should I my condition, worsen, or if I would ultimately need surgery.
August 9, 2024
5
I trust and appreciate this doctors office they listen to your problems. Very truthful about any issues you may have.
August 8, 2024
5
The Dr let me ask all my questions. He explained the procedure with my CT scan showing me the way. Answered my as well so I didn't have to repeat My scary moment.
August 7, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 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
3
I was taken back 30 minutes late and the doctor came in a rushed through the appointment. He was cutting me off whenever I would speak and he was talking very quickly. He was clearly in a hurry. I've never felt more rushed in by a doctor before. I've been experiencing serious constant pain for over a month and was looking forward to this appointment only to be rushed through it. He left before I was able to ask everything I wanted to ask and I felt like he didn't care at all about the seriousness of my situation. It was very disappointing.
September 6, 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
3
I was taken back 30 minutes late and the doctor came in a rushed through the appointment. He was cutting me off whenever I would speak and he was talking very quickly. He was clearly in a hurry. I've never felt more rushed in by a doctor before. I've been experiencing serious constant pain for over a month and was looking forward to this appointment only to be rushed through it. He left before I was able to ask everything I wanted to ask and I felt like he didn't care at all about the seriousness of my situation. It was very disappointing.
September 6, 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
Incredible experience from booking my appointment through checking out!!!!
September 8, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is very knowledgeable and has a very comforting tone that helps to make you feel better even though you know you might have a serious health problem. Makes you feel confident that he is capable of helping you to have a good outcome no matter what the diagnosis is.
September 6, 2024
5
Every one was nice
August 27, 2024
5
Starting with the staff, they were just as cordial and nice as could be. You couldn't ask for better. The nurse that did the blood pressure and everything, first thing she washed her hands and she smiled. She was just as graceful and couldn't ask for better. As far as Dr. Gates, he was real informative. Told me what to do, how to do it. And I know eventually I'll see him again and I hope it is him that I get to see. I trust him wholeheartedly. Thank you. Bye.
August 25, 2024
5
Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Thanks!
August 23, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was professional, attentive, kind, and is an asset to Wellstar. His staff from the front desk to the check out were wonderful. Shout out to Joscylen.
August 24, 2024
5
I appreciate it the fact that the doctor was very personable, made introductions, and answered all of my many questions
August 18, 2024
5
Everything was explained fully.
August 17, 2024
5
Staff members were caring and helpful. They were very professional and concerned. Overall, felt well taken care of.
August 10, 2024
5
Very professional. The office called me almost as soon as my PCP put in the referral to neurosurgery. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable and personable.
August 10, 2024
5
Great personalities in this office!
August 9, 2024
5
I felt Dr. Gates was pleasant knowledgeable, and shared a great deal more information about my condition than I've received previously. I would certainly come to him should I my condition, worsen, or if I would ultimately need surgery.
August 9, 2024
5
I trust and appreciate this doctors office they listen to your problems. Very truthful about any issues you may have.
August 8, 2024
5
The Dr let me ask all my questions. He explained the procedure with my CT scan showing me the way. Answered my as well so I didn't have to repeat My scary moment.
August 7, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 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
Incredible experience from booking my appointment through checking out!!!!
September 8, 2024
3
I was taken back 30 minutes late and the doctor came in a rushed through the appointment. He was cutting me off whenever I would speak and he was talking very quickly. He was clearly in a hurry. I've never felt more rushed in by a doctor before. I've been experiencing serious constant pain for over a month and was looking forward to this appointment only to be rushed through it. He left before I was able to ask everything I wanted to ask and I felt like he didn't care at all about the seriousness of my situation. It was very disappointing.
September 6, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is very knowledgeable and has a very comforting tone that helps to make you feel better even though you know you might have a serious health problem. Makes you feel confident that he is capable of helping you to have a good outcome no matter what the diagnosis is.
September 6, 2024
5
Every one was nice
August 27, 2024
5
Starting with the staff, they were just as cordial and nice as could be. You couldn't ask for better. The nurse that did the blood pressure and everything, first thing she washed her hands and she smiled. She was just as graceful and couldn't ask for better. As far as Dr. Gates, he was real informative. Told me what to do, how to do it. And I know eventually I'll see him again and I hope it is him that I get to see. I trust him wholeheartedly. Thank you. Bye.
August 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was professional, attentive, kind, and is an asset to Wellstar. His staff from the front desk to the check out were wonderful. Shout out to Joscylen.
August 24, 2024
5
Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Thanks!
August 23, 2024
5
I appreciate it the fact that the doctor was very personable, made introductions, and answered all of my many questions
August 18, 2024
5
Everything was explained fully.
August 17, 2024
5
Staff members were caring and helpful. They were very professional and concerned. Overall, felt well taken care of.
August 10, 2024
5
Very professional. The office called me almost as soon as my PCP put in the referral to neurosurgery. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable and personable.
August 10, 2024
5
Great personalities in this office!
August 9, 2024
5
I felt Dr. Gates was pleasant knowledgeable, and shared a great deal more information about my condition than I've received previously. I would certainly come to him should I my condition, worsen, or if I would ultimately need surgery.
August 9, 2024
5
I trust and appreciate this doctors office they listen to your problems. Very truthful about any issues you may have.
August 8, 2024
5
The Dr let me ask all my questions. He explained the procedure with my CT scan showing me the way. Answered my as well so I didn't have to repeat My scary moment.
August 7, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 2024
5
The Dr let me ask all my questions. He explained the procedure with my CT scan showing me the way. Answered my as well so I didn't have to repeat My scary moment.
August 7, 2024
5
I trust and appreciate this doctors office they listen to your problems. Very truthful about any issues you may have.
August 8, 2024
5
Great personalities in this office!
August 9, 2024
5
I felt Dr. Gates was pleasant knowledgeable, and shared a great deal more information about my condition than I've received previously. I would certainly come to him should I my condition, worsen, or if I would ultimately need surgery.
August 9, 2024
5
Very professional. The office called me almost as soon as my PCP put in the referral to neurosurgery. Dr. Gates was very knowledgeable and personable.
August 10, 2024
5
Staff members were caring and helpful. They were very professional and concerned. Overall, felt well taken care of.
August 10, 2024
5
Everything was explained fully.
August 17, 2024
5
I appreciate it the fact that the doctor was very personable, made introductions, and answered all of my many questions
August 18, 2024
5
Staff was professional and knowledgeable. Thanks!
August 23, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was professional, attentive, kind, and is an asset to Wellstar. His staff from the front desk to the check out were wonderful. Shout out to Joscylen.
August 24, 2024
5
Starting with the staff, they were just as cordial and nice as could be. You couldn't ask for better. The nurse that did the blood pressure and everything, first thing she washed her hands and she smiled. She was just as graceful and couldn't ask for better. As far as Dr. Gates, he was real informative. Told me what to do, how to do it. And I know eventually I'll see him again and I hope it is him that I get to see. I trust him wholeheartedly. Thank you. Bye.
August 25, 2024
5
Every one was nice
August 27, 2024
5
Dr. Gates is very knowledgeable and has a very comforting tone that helps to make you feel better even though you know you might have a serious health problem. Makes you feel confident that he is capable of helping you to have a good outcome no matter what the diagnosis is.
September 6, 2024
3
I was taken back 30 minutes late and the doctor came in a rushed through the appointment. He was cutting me off whenever I would speak and he was talking very quickly. He was clearly in a hurry. I've never felt more rushed in by a doctor before. I've been experiencing serious constant pain for over a month and was looking forward to this appointment only to be rushed through it. He left before I was able to ask everything I wanted to ask and I felt like he didn't care at all about the seriousness of my situation. It was very disappointing.
September 6, 2024
5
Incredible experience from booking my appointment through checking out!!!!
September 8, 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
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.
