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.
Even though the office was very busy, Dr. Bates took the time to answer my questions.
(1 week ago)
Jul-2026
Ordered PT to figure out dx. Never got orders for the PT, staff to sorry to follow up......I am a former Ortho nurse
(1 week ago)
Jul-2026
Al ways very pleased with Dr Bates and his staff.
(1 week ago)
Jul-2026
Excellent. Dr Bates is very friendly and very knowledgeable.
(1 week ago)
Jul-2026
Dr. Bates is an amazing Doctor.
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
Great Dr. explains things well and very nice
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
Wonderful place from the time you walk in the door until you walk out! Thanks!!
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
Very nice doctor.
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
Dr Bates is a brilliant and amazing surgeon. I’m living pain free and with restored movement.
(2 weeks ago)
Jul-2026
I travel from Leland, approximately 2 hours because he is an awesome Doctor. He repaired my left shoulder after a fall 4 years ago and I have complete use and ROM. He is looming at my right shoulder now.
Check in was easy and he was very efficient with his assessment.
(3 weeks ago)
Jul-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.
Even though the office was very busy, Dr. Bates took the time to answer my questions.
Ordered PT to figure out dx. Never got orders for the PT, staff to sorry to follow up......I am a former Ortho nurse
Al ways very pleased with Dr Bates and his staff.
Excellent. Dr Bates is very friendly and very knowledgeable.
Dr. Bates is an amazing Doctor.
Great Dr. explains things well and very nice
Wonderful place from the time you walk in the door until you walk out! Thanks!!
Very nice doctor.
Dr Bates is a brilliant and amazing surgeon. I’m living pain free and with restored movement.
I travel from Leland, approximately 2 hours because he is an awesome Doctor. He repaired my left shoulder after a fall 4 years ago and I have complete use and ROM. He is looming at my right shoulder now. Check in was easy and he was very efficient with his assessment.