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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 281 patient ratings
I'd recommend this practice to family and friends
4.82
I'd recommend this provider to family and friends
4.81
Listened to me carefully
4.72
Shared the right amount of information
4.59
Earned my trust
4.53
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
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
This was my first time seeing this Neurologist. He was extremely nice and informative. The staff were also.
August 4, 2024
5
Thx for fixing my neck!! God bless you all...
June 28, 2024
5
everyone was very helpful in taking care of my concerns.
June 22, 2024
5
all was a ok
June 22, 2024
5
Staff listened carefully to our concerns and gave excellent attention to our needs.
June 21, 2024
5
Just a wonderful experience with Dr. Gates!
June 17, 2024
4
This was my first visit and I am very overwhelmed with the comforting experience I received. From the front desk staff too the back. Thanks
June 14, 2024
5
Very empathetic-both dr gates and staff. I was treated with kindness and respect
June 14, 2024
5
I am very happy with the Dr and the staff at this office. I am very confident I will have the best care possible.
June 11, 2024
5
Great
June 7, 2024
5
I met Dr. Gates. He was incredibly thorough. He did a great job of explaining the procedures and options that I had available. And all of his staff was wonderful from the front office, the back office, nurse practitioners, everyone. Everyone was very kind, very polite, very friendly. It was an awesome experience.
June 5, 2024
5
Dr Gates was very helpful explaining things on my MRI.
May 25, 2024
5
Great visit I would recommend friend our family member
May 24, 2024
5
I truly appreciate the professionalism, knowledge as well as the detail explanation of my issues from the entire staff. It began with the wonderful, courteous and friendly receptionist then the same energy was given by the Medical Assistant. It's truly a pleasure to come to my appointments and receive such wonderful customer service considering the visits are usually because of some type of medical ailment.
May 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was extremely thorough with explaining what was going on with my neck and spine. And I followed him through the course of explaining what was going on and what I needed. And I felt very good with his response. So I would highly recommend him to anyone. And he was very courteous, his mannerism and everything. I could tell he really loved what he does. I thank Dr. Gates for being a very, very careful, very good doctor. Thank you all. Thank you.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr gates made me feel less anxious about having surgery by explaining everything clearly and in rushed.
May 18, 2024
5
Very Good Dr. and staff. I enjoyed my visit.
May 17, 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
This was my first time seeing this Neurologist. He was extremely nice and informative. The staff were also.
August 4, 2024
5
Thx for fixing my neck!! God bless you all...
June 28, 2024
5
everyone was very helpful in taking care of my concerns.
June 22, 2024
5
all was a ok
June 22, 2024
5
Staff listened carefully to our concerns and gave excellent attention to our needs.
June 21, 2024
5
Just a wonderful experience with Dr. Gates!
June 17, 2024
5
Very empathetic-both dr gates and staff. I was treated with kindness and respect
June 14, 2024
5
I am very happy with the Dr and the staff at this office. I am very confident I will have the best care possible.
June 11, 2024
5
Great
June 7, 2024
5
I met Dr. Gates. He was incredibly thorough. He did a great job of explaining the procedures and options that I had available. And all of his staff was wonderful from the front office, the back office, nurse practitioners, everyone. Everyone was very kind, very polite, very friendly. It was an awesome experience.
June 5, 2024
5
Dr Gates was very helpful explaining things on my MRI.
May 25, 2024
5
Great visit I would recommend friend our family member
May 24, 2024
5
I truly appreciate the professionalism, knowledge as well as the detail explanation of my issues from the entire staff. It began with the wonderful, courteous and friendly receptionist then the same energy was given by the Medical Assistant. It's truly a pleasure to come to my appointments and receive such wonderful customer service considering the visits are usually because of some type of medical ailment.
May 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was extremely thorough with explaining what was going on with my neck and spine. And I followed him through the course of explaining what was going on and what I needed. And I felt very good with his response. So I would highly recommend him to anyone. And he was very courteous, his mannerism and everything. I could tell he really loved what he does. I thank Dr. Gates for being a very, very careful, very good doctor. Thank you all. Thank you.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr gates made me feel less anxious about having surgery by explaining everything clearly and in rushed.
May 18, 2024
5
Very Good Dr. and staff. I enjoyed my visit.
May 17, 2024
4
This was my first visit and I am very overwhelmed with the comforting experience I received. From the front desk staff too the back. Thanks
June 14, 2024
4
This was my first visit and I am very overwhelmed with the comforting experience I received. From the front desk staff too the back. Thanks
June 14, 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
This was my first time seeing this Neurologist. He was extremely nice and informative. The staff were also.
August 4, 2024
5
Thx for fixing my neck!! God bless you all...
June 28, 2024
5
everyone was very helpful in taking care of my concerns.
June 22, 2024
5
all was a ok
June 22, 2024
5
Staff listened carefully to our concerns and gave excellent attention to our needs.
June 21, 2024
5
Just a wonderful experience with Dr. Gates!
June 17, 2024
5
Very empathetic-both dr gates and staff. I was treated with kindness and respect
June 14, 2024
5
I am very happy with the Dr and the staff at this office. I am very confident I will have the best care possible.
June 11, 2024
5
Great
June 7, 2024
5
I met Dr. Gates. He was incredibly thorough. He did a great job of explaining the procedures and options that I had available. And all of his staff was wonderful from the front office, the back office, nurse practitioners, everyone. Everyone was very kind, very polite, very friendly. It was an awesome experience.
June 5, 2024
5
Dr Gates was very helpful explaining things on my MRI.
May 25, 2024
5
Great visit I would recommend friend our family member
May 24, 2024
5
I truly appreciate the professionalism, knowledge as well as the detail explanation of my issues from the entire staff. It began with the wonderful, courteous and friendly receptionist then the same energy was given by the Medical Assistant. It's truly a pleasure to come to my appointments and receive such wonderful customer service considering the visits are usually because of some type of medical ailment.
May 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was extremely thorough with explaining what was going on with my neck and spine. And I followed him through the course of explaining what was going on and what I needed. And I felt very good with his response. So I would highly recommend him to anyone. And he was very courteous, his mannerism and everything. I could tell he really loved what he does. I thank Dr. Gates for being a very, very careful, very good doctor. Thank you all. Thank you.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr gates made me feel less anxious about having surgery by explaining everything clearly and in rushed.
May 18, 2024
5
Very Good Dr. and staff. I enjoyed my visit.
May 17, 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
This was my first time seeing this Neurologist. He was extremely nice and informative. The staff were also.
August 4, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 2024
5
Thx for fixing my neck!! God bless you all...
June 28, 2024
5
everyone was very helpful in taking care of my concerns.
June 22, 2024
5
all was a ok
June 22, 2024
5
Staff listened carefully to our concerns and gave excellent attention to our needs.
June 21, 2024
5
Just a wonderful experience with Dr. Gates!
June 17, 2024
4
This was my first visit and I am very overwhelmed with the comforting experience I received. From the front desk staff too the back. Thanks
June 14, 2024
5
Very empathetic-both dr gates and staff. I was treated with kindness and respect
June 14, 2024
5
I am very happy with the Dr and the staff at this office. I am very confident I will have the best care possible.
June 11, 2024
5
Great
June 7, 2024
5
I met Dr. Gates. He was incredibly thorough. He did a great job of explaining the procedures and options that I had available. And all of his staff was wonderful from the front office, the back office, nurse practitioners, everyone. Everyone was very kind, very polite, very friendly. It was an awesome experience.
June 5, 2024
5
Dr Gates was very helpful explaining things on my MRI.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was extremely thorough with explaining what was going on with my neck and spine. And I followed him through the course of explaining what was going on and what I needed. And I felt very good with his response. So I would highly recommend him to anyone. And he was very courteous, his mannerism and everything. I could tell he really loved what he does. I thank Dr. Gates for being a very, very careful, very good doctor. Thank you all. Thank you.
May 25, 2024
5
Great visit I would recommend friend our family member
May 24, 2024
5
I truly appreciate the professionalism, knowledge as well as the detail explanation of my issues from the entire staff. It began with the wonderful, courteous and friendly receptionist then the same energy was given by the Medical Assistant. It's truly a pleasure to come to my appointments and receive such wonderful customer service considering the visits are usually because of some type of medical ailment.
May 24, 2024
5
Dr gates made me feel less anxious about having surgery by explaining everything clearly and in rushed.
May 18, 2024
5
Very Good Dr. and staff. I enjoyed my visit.
May 17, 2024
5
Very Good Dr. and staff. I enjoyed my visit.
May 17, 2024
5
Dr gates made me feel less anxious about having surgery by explaining everything clearly and in rushed.
May 18, 2024
5
I truly appreciate the professionalism, knowledge as well as the detail explanation of my issues from the entire staff. It began with the wonderful, courteous and friendly receptionist then the same energy was given by the Medical Assistant. It's truly a pleasure to come to my appointments and receive such wonderful customer service considering the visits are usually because of some type of medical ailment.
May 24, 2024
5
Great visit I would recommend friend our family member
May 24, 2024
5
Dr. Gates was extremely thorough with explaining what was going on with my neck and spine. And I followed him through the course of explaining what was going on and what I needed. And I felt very good with his response. So I would highly recommend him to anyone. And he was very courteous, his mannerism and everything. I could tell he really loved what he does. I thank Dr. Gates for being a very, very careful, very good doctor. Thank you all. Thank you.
May 25, 2024
5
Dr Gates was very helpful explaining things on my MRI.
May 25, 2024
5
I met Dr. Gates. He was incredibly thorough. He did a great job of explaining the procedures and options that I had available. And all of his staff was wonderful from the front office, the back office, nurse practitioners, everyone. Everyone was very kind, very polite, very friendly. It was an awesome experience.
June 5, 2024
5
Great
June 7, 2024
5
I am very happy with the Dr and the staff at this office. I am very confident I will have the best care possible.
June 11, 2024
5
Very empathetic-both dr gates and staff. I was treated with kindness and respect
June 14, 2024
4
This was my first visit and I am very overwhelmed with the comforting experience I received. From the front desk staff too the back. Thanks
June 14, 2024
5
Just a wonderful experience with Dr. Gates!
June 17, 2024
5
Staff listened carefully to our concerns and gave excellent attention to our needs.
June 21, 2024
5
all was a ok
June 22, 2024
5
everyone was very helpful in taking care of my concerns.
June 22, 2024
5
Thx for fixing my neck!! God bless you all...
June 28, 2024
5
Dr and staff took time to listen and answer all questions.
August 4, 2024
5
This was my first time seeing this Neurologist. He was extremely nice and informative. The staff were also.
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
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.