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.
Outstanding
(6 days ago)
Nov-2025
Saw Dr. he got right to the problem in my calf. Felt very comfortable with his diagnosis. Thank you.
(6 days ago)
Nov-2025
Dr. Bates is a good diagnostician and communicator. My husband and I can always count on him to know the right path to take In treatment.
(6 days ago)
Nov-2025
Love him very caring giving options for my choice can't say enough about him he's just a wonderful man I'm so thankful that I have him as my doctor
(1 week ago)
Nov-2025
I have dealt with Dr. Bates for many many years. He’s very professional polite and always has a solution to fix the problem. In my opinion. He’s one of the best doctors out there. I am very lucky to have him as my doctor
(1 week ago)
Nov-2025
He is always so very helpful. Very easy to understand what he is telling me and what I need todo. Both my husband and I go to him. I would not go to any one else.
(1 week ago)
Nov-2025
Excellent description of effective area and procedures.
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Great doctor in joy talking with him and has a great personality
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Excellent as always
(2 weeks ago)
Nov-2025
Outsstanding
(3 weeks ago)
Oct-2025
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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.
Outstanding
Saw Dr. he got right to the problem in my calf. Felt very comfortable with his diagnosis. Thank you.
Dr. Bates is a good diagnostician and communicator. My husband and I can always count on him to know the right path to take In treatment.
Love him very caring giving options for my choice can't say enough about him he's just a wonderful man I'm so thankful that I have him as my doctor
I have dealt with Dr. Bates for many many years. He’s very professional polite and always has a solution to fix the problem. In my opinion. He’s one of the best doctors out there. I am very lucky to have him as my doctor
He is always so very helpful. Very easy to understand what he is telling me and what I need todo. Both my husband and I go to him. I would not go to any one else.
Excellent description of effective area and procedures.
Great doctor in joy talking with him and has a great personality
Excellent as always
Outsstanding