Dr. Coates is absolutely the best! He did surgery on my right foot in 2005 due to severe hammertoe and misalignment of all the small bones of my foot due to the hammertoe. Dr. Coates did a wonderful job and after suffering severe pain for so long, after just a few weeks I was able to walk without pain and wear sandals again without embarrassment. I have to say to you, though, Dr. Coates ... I missed you terribly during your sabbatical. My left foot is now much worse than my right one had been and it is crippling, I hardly walk anywhere anymore, there are almost no shoes I can wear, and I have to work. I cannot wait to get an appointment with you to get in and have this foot fixed. For anyone reading this review, Dr. Coates even called me at home the next morning after he did surgery on me, just checking to see how I was doing. I look forward to seeing you soon, Dr. Coates. ~Peggy Tajalli, Fairfax, VA~