Board certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine, Thomas E. Bates, MD, is an expert in adult joint reconstruction and sports medicine. A graduate of LaSalle University and Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Bates completed his specialty training in adult reconstruction at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.
Board certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine, Thomas E. Bates, MD, is an expert in adult joint reconstruction and sports medicine. A graduate of LaSalle University and Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Bates completed his specialty training in adult reconstruction at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of EmergeOrtho through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Excellent experience
(2 days ago)
Feb-2026
Thorough, professional and understanding.
(3 days ago)
Feb-2026
He is an excellent doctor and has a very, very positive reputation.
(4 days ago)
Feb-2026
Made me feel comfortable and great bedside manner
(5 days ago)
Feb-2026
Professional, courteous and actually cares about his patients.
(6 days ago)
Feb-2026
Great guy !!!!
(1 week ago)
Feb-2026
Very personable and attentive to needs
(1 week ago)
Feb-2026
Great surgeon, .Everyone has told me to have Dr. Bates do my hip replacement. Dr Bates , thank you for your excellence. .
(1 week ago)
Feb-2026
So thankful for all Dr Bates does. Wd afe o. Fhis knee replacement journey as a team.
(2 weeks ago)
Feb-2026
Great!
(2 weeks ago)
Feb-2026
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Coastal Region: Morehead City - Orthopedics
3714 Guardian Avenue Suite E Morehead City, NC 28557
Coastal Region: Swansboro - Orthopedics
775-2 West Corbett Avenue Swansboro, NC 28584
Board certified in orthopedic surgery with a subspecialty certification in orthopedic sports medicine, Thomas E. Bates, MD, is an expert in adult joint reconstruction and sports medicine.
A graduate of LaSalle University and Temple University School of Medicine, Dr. Bates completed his specialty training in adult reconstruction at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at Naval Medical Center in Portsmouth, Virginia, and served in the U.S. Navy for eleven years, including a tour of MCAS Cherry Point as a wing and NASA flight surgeon. He also served overseas as the Musculoskeletal Department Head at U.S. Naval Hospital in Sigonella, Italy.
Dr. Bates is an active member of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgery, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, and several other orthopedic surgeon and medical societies. He has served as the Medical Director for the Carolinas Center for Joint and Spine, and as the Orthopedic Champion for the Geriatric Fracture Program.
Dr. Bates has a broad range of orthopedic knowledge with a special interest in arthritis, joint replacement, arthroscopy, and sports medicine. His field of expertise includes arthroscopic surgical techniques in the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. He has a special interest in minimally invasive and joint-preserving techniques for both older and younger patients with arthritis, including MAKO robotic partial and total knee replacement and total hip replacement. He is dedicated to a team approach to patient care, involving therapists, primary care physicians and the patient’s family to ensure a speedy recovery and return to sports, work and recreational activities.
Dr. Thomas Bates, a skilled orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon in the coastal region, offers his expertise to patients in Morehead City and Swansboro.
Excellent experience
Thorough, professional and understanding.
He is an excellent doctor and has a very, very positive reputation.
Made me feel comfortable and great bedside manner
Professional, courteous and actually cares about his patients.
Great guy !!!!
Very personable and attentive to needs
Great surgeon, .Everyone has told me to have Dr. Bates do my hip replacement. Dr Bates , thank you for your excellence. .
So thankful for all Dr Bates does. Wd afe o. Fhis knee replacement journey as a team.
Great!