Biography
Dr. Stephen Choate is a fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist at the Ochsner Sports Medicine Institute. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. His practice focuses on arthroscopic and reconstructive surgery of the shoulder, elbow, and knee.
Dr. Choate currently serves as team physician for the New Orleans Saints, Delgado College, and several high schools in the New Orleans area. He graduated cum laude from Davidson College in North Carolina, where he was an academic all-conference pitcher for the baseball team. He received his medical degree from the University of Tennessee College of Medicine in 2007. He then completed his internship and residency at the Ochsner Clinic Foundation.
Following residency, he served four years in the U.S. Air Force at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona, where he was Chief of the Orthopedic Department and Medical Director of Surgical Services for the 56th Medical Group. Under his leadership, the medical group twice earned the Air Education and Training Command award for “Best Clinic in the Air Force”, as well as the “Patient Safety” award. Dr. Choate’s clinical experience includes overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, earning him the Air Force Commendation medal for meritorious service.
Following military service, Dr. Choate completed a fellowship in sports medicine and shoulder reconstruction at the renowned Steadman Hawkins Clinic of the Carolinas, under the direction of Drs. John Tokish and Richard Hawkins. Dr. Choate has a specific interest in the advancement of sports medicine through research and has published multiple book chapters and peer-reviewed scientific articles. His research has been presented at several national and international orthopedic conferences. Recent recognitions include a 2019 Ochsner “Spirit of Leadership” award for one of the top new physicians in the Ochsner Health System. He also received the orthopedic surgery residency program “Educator of the Year” award in 2018.
Professional society memberships include the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons, American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, Arthroscopy Association of North America, NFL Physicians Society, Louisiana Orthopedic Association, and The Hawkins Society. Originally from Nashville, Tennessee, he is married with three children.
Areas of interest include:
- Shoulder dislocations
- Shoulder replacement
- Rotator cuff tears
- Baseball injuries
- ACL injuries
- Meniscus repair
- Cartilage restoration
- PRP
- Stem cell injections.
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Education and Training
Medical School
University of Tenn Health Science Center
University of Tennessee Coll of Medicine
Field of Study: MD
Residency
Ochsner Clinic Foundation
Field of Study: Orthopedic Surgery
Fellowship
Steadman Hawkins Clinic of Carolinas
Field of Study: Sports Medicine/Reconstructive Surgery
Certifications
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopaedic Surgery
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Orthopedic Surgery
- American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery - Sports Medicine
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Ochsner Patient Verified Reviews
To obtain patient ratings and comments, we partner with Press Ganey, an independent patient satisfaction company that works with more than 26,000 healthcare organizations to improve the patient experience. These patient verified ratings are based on the “likelihood to recommend” physician scores on the nationally developed Medical Practice Survey. Actual top box results for this question are translated to a 1-5 scale, and the star scores are measured on that scale, with 5 being the best score.
Dr. Choates pre op, surgical, and post-op care was excellent.
Dr. Choate & the other MD explained things exceedingly well. They didn't seem rushed the doctor who injected my knees made it almost pain!
Dr Choate was so kind and compassionate. Would 100 % recommend him
Dr. Choate always simplifies the medical diagnosis and makes it easy for the patient to understand
I cannot say enough about how wonderful Dr. Choate is. He is kind, compassionate and explains thoroughly.
Again, Dr Choate is the absolute best. Will never go to anyone else
Professional & courteous.
Good
Great!
Great
I'd recommend the doctor
Best experience in my 82 years with Dr Choate as my doctor.
Excellent Dr. Choate looked at me the entire time was met in the PC. He knew things in my records - Very well informed. Explained physically checked pain area.
Doctor is first class. Outstanding professionalism.
Dr. Choate is very detailed with all of his recommendations of treatment
Very caring doctor
Dr Choate is thorough and patient answering all questions openly and honestly. It is clear he is training the fellows working under him in all aspects of patient care.
Great Work
Dr. Choate exemplifies the art and science of medicine. His personality and bedside manner are both a gift and a reflection of his morality and personal investment in the health and happiness of his patients.
The doctor was very attentive to my concerns
Dr Choate and his team are amazing.
Excellent communication.
Recommend Dr Choate n Oschner to everyone!!
Dr. Choate and his staff are always very professional and get straight to the point with my medical condition. He has been my orthopedic for over five years, and I have referred many other patients to see him due to his expertise and attention to detail.