Joseph Tate, MD

I had two of my 4 children with Dr Tate. He is an amazing doctor that expertly balances the desires of women and evidence based medicine. Both of my babies with Dr Tate were VBACs and I am so grateful that he is willing to stand up for what he believes and sees in the research and give women a chance at a «normal» birth after a c section. Through many conversations with him he was also willing to share why he supports women in VBACs. I was happy to find out that he had solid reasons that were well thought out using evidence.
Dr Tate was direct and honest with be about my options. I never felt like he was just telling me what I wanted to hear or supporting me in risky behaviors just to keep me as a patient. He was upfront about the evidence based risks of both c sections and VBACs. He was willing to discuss the risks with me like an intelligent person too. I felt respected and supported throughout my pregnancies and births. I also didn’t feel pressured to do things «his way» just because it was easier for him. My first doctors treated me like I was stupid and pressured me into an induction using fear and scare tactics. It was refreshing not to have to «go in for battle» with Dr Tate. It was well worth the drive to his office to be treated like an intelligent person and not just another number in a big OB practice.
If you are looking for a doctor who will support you in the ways that it counts and is better at more than just bedside manner, go see Dr Tate.

Dr. Tate is without a doubt the best OB you will find. I was so unbelievably nervous for my plan to have a VBAC, but he would always ease my mind with the fact that he would do his best. He never promised anything, but I saw something in his eyes that put me at ease. He truly cares when the time comes! His office may seem out dated with often long wait times, but it is ALL worth your time! He delivered my second child via VBAC in 44 minutes with no drugs. I got to the hospital too late as my contractions were 1and ½ minutes apart when I arrived. Due to poor management at Emory/​midtown they had me labor in the waiting area for 40
Minutes! By the time they took me to triage I was fully dilated and basically ready to push.
Dr. Tate walked in at the right moment (a little late, but it was during rush hour so I’m sure he got stuck in traffic as we did.)
As soon as I saw him I was relieved and begged for some pain management, but after checking me he said, «honey it’s too late for that, it’s time to push.»
My fear came rushing in and I lost it for a few moments, but he knew exactly how to coach me back to focus on getting this baby out as fast as possible. Needless to say, after 44 minutes of pushing hell, I pushed my baby out without any drugs! In hind site, not having any drugs and feeling in control of my body (somewhat) was the best plan God had for me. I never in a million years thought I could have a VBAC after my first birth led to a C-​section from a «failure to descend». I pushed for 4 hours with that birth and was never coached how to push properly! I felt betrayed by the midwife and carried this pain with me throughout this pregnancy. Dr. Tate wiped away all of that pain and doubt and replaced it with the most satisfying birth experience I could have asked for. I have to mention one last very important thing, my doula Christine Strain was also my savior! She helped me with her kind touch and quiet coaching by my ear while Dr. Tate was the more aggressive coach, because he has to be. She held my leg and coached me through it all. I involuntarily pushed her back a few times when the pain got unbearable, but she never let go of my hand and calmly came back to assist me. Dr. Tate and Christine Strain are the best team and I love them both!
The team of people around me were truly God sent and I am forever grateful!!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!

Dr. Tate is a very talented doctor. I chose him for my first pregnancy because he does not automatically default to a c-​section every time something is even remotely challenging. Also, because he is a one-​man show and I wanted to build a relationship with the OBGYN who was to deliver my babies. I think he is compassionate and kind, even if he is somewhat abrupt. I heard him described by another doctor as a «cowboy». That’s because he’s not afraid to dive into a risky and challenging situation that most doctors will shy away from. He’s very experienced, but he is not a miracle worker, as some articles on the internet will have you believe.
Here are the main reasons I do not recommend using him:
1. He delivers only at Emory. I could write a whole book on the horrors of Emory hospital, but I won’t get into the details here. Terrible service, terrible staff, dirty, disorganized, nurses and staff don’t care; I never want to set foot in that place ever again. The doctors may be great, but it takes a team to provide healthcare. Emory’s priorities are teaching and research, not customer service.
2. Him being a one-​man-​show means that even if you are in a very dire situation, he may be too busy for you. He is delivering babies ²⁴⁄₇. When he’s not delivering, he is seeing patients in his office. When he is not seeing patients, he is delivering. He does not vacation. I’m not sure he ever really sleeps — although he does take cat naps whenever and wherever he can. Your appointments may take hours, it just depends on what’s going on that day. You may not get to see him at all during your appointment because he’s out delivering a baby, so you’ll see a nurse practitioner. Because he can only be in one place at a time, he delegates a lot to his residents at Emory, who will make you feel like you are in a nightmare episode of Grey’s Anatomy.
3. If you have a high risk pregnancy (like twins), he will send you to Dr. Onyejie at Atlanta Perinatal Associates. That practice is a horrible and Dr. Onyejie is awful. I honestly think Dr. Tate likes him because Dr. Onyejie does not get in the way of whatever Dr. Tate wants to do. That’s because Dr. Onyejie seriously does not care about his patients. At all.
4. No nice equipment in the office. Your ultrasounds will be performed on a laptop. Don’t count on any glossy prints or digital images. They don’t have the technology to do a cervical ultrasound, which could have been helpful for me. If Dr. Tate is unexpectedly out, his laptop is out with him, so you won’t get an ultrasound that day, but the nurse practitioner will see you.
5. His practice is in Norcross, but he delivers at Emory. If you live close to the hospital, your appointments are really far away, if you live close to his office, you live very far from the hospital, where you will be delivering. If during the appointment you get diagnosed with a problem, your husband will be driving to the hospital for 45 minutes as you sob in fear. If your better half isn’t with you or is out of the picture, I guess you’ll be driving yourself. In comparison, most practices at Northside will wheel you straight into L&D right then and there and hook you up to all the necessary machines.
Despite the terrible outcome of my first pregnancy, I have a lot of respect for Dr. Tate and I do not blame him for what happened. But I am choosing OBGYN of Atlanta, Atlanta Perinatal Consultants, and Northside Hospital for current and future pregnancies for the reasons listed above.

BLOODLESS MEDICINE PATIENTS: You must NOT use Dr. Tate for your care. He plainly says he will force a blood transfusion against express patient wishes (and legal Advance Medical Directive) due to his religious beliefs, even if it’s against yours.
This put me in a terrible position just two days before outpatient surgery. I was forced to call the hospital Patient Advocate in order for someone to be on standby in order to make sure that did not happen. It was not the best mental or emotional state to go in with for surgery, not trusting the doctor performing it. It was my fault for not doing my homework more thoroughly before scheduling, but there were extenuating circumstances I won’t get into.
Fortunately, the surgery went smoothly, though he did not take care of releasing the uterine adhesions he found (as any other surgeon would have done at the time) because that would have meant a higher risk of bleeding. This means I would have to undergo yet *another* surgery to have them addressed, by someone who is comfortable using bloodless medicine alternatives, of which there are many. This was, of course, extremely disappointing.
Dr. Tate did not speak to me before or after my surgery. He spoke with my husband after. I would have liked to have a report from him directly when I woke up. So, I heard everything second hand.
There is also something else that bothers me terribly about patient privacy, but I won’t go into it in a public forum. *hint*
The front office staff {his daughter} was very rude. So much so that I vowed never to set foot in that office again.
To expectant mothers: make sure you interview Dr. Tate and see if your personalities mesh before deciding to have him attend your birth. You must feel comfortable with whom ever you choose.
I give a two star rating because I do think Dr. Tate is a proficient surgeon, and is an expert in his field of obstetrics.

Great office! I see his NP Tia for my annual visits and she’s great. Very compassionate, takes the time to listen. Laid back atmosphere.

Every time we go everyone is very friendly, and we love Dr. Tate, just sometimes we feel the appts are pretty rushed, but very friendly atmosphere, and we are very happy hes affiliated with Emory hospital.

Excellent experience. Dr. Tate and his RN Tia are both awesome! If you’re looking for a doctor who’s number one priority is your health and concerns. Then this is the right place for you.
Other doctors offices number one concern are lining their pockets, getting you in and out as fast as possible and selling you on test, pharmaceuticals or procedures they receive bonuses or kickbacks on.
Again this is an excellent doctors office with great staff. A laid-​back atmosphere when, you leave, you feel they listen to and addressed your concerns and are out for your best interest and not just out to line their own pockets’s like other doctors offices.

Vaginal birth after myomectomy — really — yes! I gave birth to a happy healthy baby in Fall 2012. I had 11 cm fibroids removed in Spring 2007. My operating physician no longer practiced in Atlanta. I researched and found Dr. Tate. We discussed the risks and various scenarios (at each visit — literally, I was obsessed about not having a C-​section). We had a C-​section scheduled but my baby came fast and furious prior to the scheduled date. My first contraction was at 9pm, I gave birth the next morning around 4:30am.
All the nurses were confused because of my medical history and the huge scar to prove that I had a significant fibroid surgery. It was truly a miracle. :-)
I thank God for Dr. Tate. His office staff are wonderful and responsive. Almost a year later I requested a prescription for a breast pump. The next day I had it in the mail.
Dr. Tate is simply the BEST!

Just wonderful! I just had a first visit with him, and we decided that’s exactly where we wanted to stay. I felt like I was the only patient he had, he was easy to relate to, made me feel comfortable, and really took his time! I felt like I had known him forever! He’s been doing it for so long I guess it just comes natural to him, we are very lucky to have found him, im excited for my next visit!

Dr. Tate is a totally old-​school, no frills OB-​Gyn. This is EXACTLY what I was seeking and I was so glad I found him. In short, Dr. Tate believes that women’s bodies are meant to birth babies. You wouldn’t think this was radical, but in this day and age it really is. I had a cesarean with my first and had been given a laundry list of reasons why I could never have a natural birth, but Dr. Tate thought I could, and with his support, I did! He routinely helps other moms do the same thing, including other VBAC moms, moms of multiples, older moms, and MANY other groups that may be subtly marginalized by other practices in Atlanta. Tate is also very skilled and he’s sharp as a tack, which is so reassuring. If I was ever to have an obstetrical emergency he would be the one I wanted on the scene.
This is a family-​run business. You won’t find shiny brochures or flat-​screen TVs, but you’ll be treated like an individual, which to me trumps any number of services and perks my previous providers offered. In Dr. Tate’s office you will meet women who travel across the country and even from other continents to birth with him – this happens quite regularly. If you want to know more about him, there was a PBS feature about him a couple of years ago that was fantastic.
If you are at all wondering if your current practice will support you in the way you choose to birth, I urge you to check out Dr. Tate. He is one of a kind and has been such a wonderful and unique healthcare provider to me.

VBA3C!!! I did it, he believed in my body’s ability he was patient, he was wonderful and he cares!!! NUFF SAID!