Dr. W. 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 is the head team physician for the New Orleans Saints. He is a team physician for the New Orleans Saints (2018-present), New Orleans Pelicans (2023-present), 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 Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine, 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.