When pain in the knee meant walking and hunting became a challenge, one doctor at Jamestown Regional Medical Center chose another JRMC provider for his care.
“There was no question I was going to do this here,” said JRMC Harvard-trained Urologist Dr. Robert J. Bates. “I know what happens and I know the patients receive good care.”
With more than three decades of experience, Dr. Bates joined JRMC in 2015. An educated man, along with his doctorate in medicine Dr. Bates has masters degrees in philosophy and biology from Yale University as well as a masters degree in medical management from Carnegie Mellon University. He’s practiced medicine in Boston and Michigan. Nevertheless, he chose rural North Dakota for his medical care.
When he needed relief for his knee pain, Dr. Bates chose JRMC Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Michael T. Dean. The JRMC Orthopedic Clinic specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of bones, joints, ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves.
“It never crossed my mind to go anywhere else,” Dr. Bates said, saying joint patients at JRMC have great success and are happy with their care.
Patients of Dr. Dean agree.
Hospitals like JRMC regularly survey patients to learn what is working well and how the hospital can improve. In patients survey from January to March, the most recent data available, 100 percent of Dr. Dean’s patients said he always treated them with respect.
After many miles and marathons, Dr. Dean repaired Dr. Bates’ right knee in 2004. In 2019, the joint needed a revision knee replacement, or what Dr. Bates called a “tune-up.”
Dr. Dean’s care is incredible, Dr. Bates said. So is the care from the full medical team, including nursing and anesthesia. The nursing staff is “very professional.”
“Nurses here are some of the best I’ve ever worked with,” Dr. Bates said.
Dr. Dean agreed. JRMC nurses are detail-oriented and empathetic to patients, he said.
Taking care of Dr. Bates is an honor, Dr. Dean said, saying he’s trusted Dr. Bates and JRMC for his care too.
“The Jamestown area is fortunate to have Dr. Bates here,” Dr. Dean said. “He’s a smart guy and he takes great care of patients.”
After a long weekend of recovery, Dr. Bates is back in the clinic, caring for conditions associated with the kidney, bladder, prostate and urinary tract. He said he’s looking forward to his trip to England in May, where he plans to walk 10-15 miles a day with his newly repaired knee.
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