The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Becoming Dr. Bates
11.19.2007 | Football
After accomplishing his lifelong dream of playing football for The University of Texas, former offensive lineman and 2004 graduate, Trey Bates, has begun conquering his next goal: medical school.
During his time at Texas, Bates, a four-time first-team Academic All-Big 12 lineman, excelled both on and off the football field. In addition to being a member of the 2004 Rose Bowl Champion team, Bates earned a spot on the Big 12 Conference Commissioner's and UT Athletic Director's Honor for four straight years. He was also initiated into Mortar Board, which is a national honor society that recognizes college seniors for distinguished ability and achievement in scholarship, leadership, and service.
Bates, who is now in his third year of medical school at the University of Texas-San Antonio, acknowledges that balancing football and pre-med helped prepare him for the challenges of medical school.
"Football has definitely prepared me for medical school," said Bates. "I got used to putting in long hours with practice, weights, and school, so now I find it much easier to focus solely on school.
"After all, if you can make it through a summer of Coach (Jeff) Madden's workouts, you can make it through anything," laughed Bates.
While at Texas, Bates had many mentors from whom he learned the importance of hard work, character and determination.
"Coach (Mac) McWhorter and Coach (Greg) Davis were key elements in forming who I am today," Bates said. "They both treated me with honesty and respect, and I plan to treat my patients the same way."
Bates also recognizes the significant role Mack Brown played in preparing him for the next chapter in his life.
"He taught us how to be respectful and appreciative, and to realize that no matter how grim a situation may seem, you have to fight through it and eventually you will realize your goal," acknowledged Bates.
His mother, Carolyn Camp Bates, notes that her son's experiences at Texas have undoubtedly prepared him for his future.
"Fortunately, he embarked on a career path early in life and is still making forward progress on it," said Mrs. Bates. "I have no doubt that the lessons learned on and off the field at UT, and now at UT Medical School at San Antonio, will keep him pointed in the right direction.
"My husband Jack and I are very proud of Trey," added Mrs. Bates, a former UT alumna.
Now in the midst of his surgery rotations, Bates is closer than ever to achieving his aspirations of becoming a surgeon. His interest in surgery, which actually began on the football field after sustaining a back injury during summer workouts before his junior year of high school, has allowed Bates to understand how devastating setbacks, like his, can be to both the patient and their family.
"The operations that surgeons perform on a daily basis are amazing and the results are life-changing for both the patients and their families," said Bates. "And I especially want to focus on orthopedic surgery and sports medicine.
"It would be a dream come true if I could one day become the team surgeon for a college or professional football team," Bates added.
Bates acknowledges that having a great support system around him at school, like former teammate, Brett Robin, has helped him adjust to the next phase in his life.
"He's given me advice on numerous occasions that has made my medical school experience much easier," noted Bates. "I always know that I'll get straightforward advice from a person who really knows what I'm talking about and can personally relate to me."
Even 80 miles away from Austin, Bates still remains connected to the tight-knit Texas family. Bates' sister, Kaitlin, is a sophomore at UT and is a member of Texas Angels and Gabriels - the official football spirit group, and his girlfriend, Jen Christian, plays volleyball for the Longhorns and is set to graduate in May 2008.
Bates' admits that even though he enjoys living in San Antonio, he comes up to Austin every chance he gets.
"I often drive into Austin to see my girlfriend, and I try to make as many Longhorn home games as possible during football season," said Bates. "Nothing compares to Austin."
