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 with patients and listens to concerns. Answers questions honestly. I respect his opinions.
(4 days ago)
Oct-2025
He did a great job of explaining to me what was happening with my hip
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Dr Bates was very thorough. I like that The staff was awesome.
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
The doctor puts little effort into explaining things but then talked to me like I am a moron.
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Always professional and courteous. No one better!
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
First time visit answered all my questions about my hip and what I should do and don't do very helpful would recommend him to others
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Dr. Bates is the G. O. A. T!!
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Listens to me. Very competent doctor.
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Made me feel comfortable and that I was in good hands.
(1 month ago)
Sep-2025
Dr Bates was very nice and answered all my questions about my upcoming coming hip replacement.
(1 month ago)
Sep-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.
Great with patients and listens to concerns. Answers questions honestly. I respect his opinions.
He did a great job of explaining to me what was happening with my hip
Dr Bates was very thorough. I like that The staff was awesome.
The doctor puts little effort into explaining things but then talked to me like I am a moron.
Always professional and courteous. No one better!
First time visit answered all my questions about my hip and what I should do and don't do very helpful would recommend him to others
Dr. Bates is the G. O. A. T!!
Listens to me. Very competent doctor.
Made me feel comfortable and that I was in good hands.
Dr Bates was very nice and answered all my questions about my upcoming coming hip replacement.