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.
Great doctor, with a great staff
(3 days ago)
Jun-2026
I was so impressed that he was honest about not jumping into surgery but instead offered me a cortisone shot and see where we are in 4-6 weeks. If surgery is warranted at that time he is the Dr. I would trust to do it. Very kind and compassionate Dr.
(6 days ago)
Jun-2026
Dr. Bates was professional, and made me feel very comfortable.
All of the staff were very friendly also.
(1 week ago)
Jun-2026
This was a follow-up visit from my hip replacement operation in which I was scared to death to get and I'm very, very pleased on how everything went i would recommend Dr Bates to anyone who asked
(1 week ago)
Jun-2026
Frindly and profesnel
(1 week ago)
Jun-2026
I have been seeing Dr Bates about 16 years. He is simply the BEST orthopedic surgeon around eastern NC.
(1 week ago)
May-2026
Knowledgeable, professional, good disposition- answered all questions with knowledge from experience. Confident and positive.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Dr Bates is excellent. Goes over everything in detail. Understandable and good bedside manner. Have had 3 surgeries by him and been very satisfied.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Dr Bates is an all around outstanding professional. Fantastic surgeon! I highly recommend him.
(2 weeks ago)
May-2026
Dr. Bates is always a good listener and provides valuable medical advice as to treatment options for optimal results. I highly recommend him. I’ve been one of his patients for years!
(2 weeks ago)
May-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.
Great doctor, with a great staff
I was so impressed that he was honest about not jumping into surgery but instead offered me a cortisone shot and see where we are in 4-6 weeks. If surgery is warranted at that time he is the Dr. I would trust to do it. Very kind and compassionate Dr.
Dr. Bates was professional, and made me feel very comfortable. All of the staff were very friendly also.
This was a follow-up visit from my hip replacement operation in which I was scared to death to get and I'm very, very pleased on how everything went i would recommend Dr Bates to anyone who asked
Frindly and profesnel
I have been seeing Dr Bates about 16 years. He is simply the BEST orthopedic surgeon around eastern NC.
Knowledgeable, professional, good disposition- answered all questions with knowledge from experience. Confident and positive.
Dr Bates is excellent. Goes over everything in detail. Understandable and good bedside manner. Have had 3 surgeries by him and been very satisfied.
Dr Bates is an all around outstanding professional. Fantastic surgeon! I highly recommend him.
Dr. Bates is always a good listener and provides valuable medical advice as to treatment options for optimal results. I highly recommend him. I’ve been one of his patients for years!