Dr. Louie-Marc Contreras: A Leader in Surgical Excellence At Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital

“I see surgery as a sacred privilege bestowed by the universe—a calling to heal people in their most vulnerable moments.”
– Dr. Contreras.

Dr. Louie-Marc Contreras has recently been appointed as the Trauma Medical Director at Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. This new role complements his existing positions as Chief of Staff and Director of General Surgery, faurther solidifying his leadership in surgical excellence and trauma care at the institution.
Dr. Contreras’s journey to leadership in the medical field reflects his hard work, perseverance, and deep-seated passion for healing. The son of two Filipino immigrants who arrived in the United States in the 1970s, he embraces his Filipino heritage as a key part of his identity and approach to medicine. Fluent in Tagalog and Kapampangan, in addition to English and Spanish, he values communication as a fundamental part of patient care, ensuring that individuals from diverse backgrounds feel understood and supported.
“Each encounter in medicine is a pebble cast into the waters of life, sending ripples of change and goodness to people and the world. Ones we cannot even fathom or see but just know they are there.”
A lifelong scholar, Dr. Contreras earned bachelor’s degrees in Philosophy and Biology from Johns Hopkins University before obtaining his Doctor of Medicine degree from Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1998. He completed his general surgery residency at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science and later obtained a Master’s in Business Administration from UC Irvine’s Paul Merage School of Business, with a focus on healthcare management, policy, and digital transformation.
Since joining Henry Mayo’s medical staff in 2004, Dr. Contreras has been instrumental in hospital affairs, having served on multiple committees and as Chairman of the Department of Surgery. In 2022, he was elected Chief of Staff, leading with a philosophy of “transformational change with culture, caring, and collaboration.” His leadership has been instrumental in creating an environment of trust, innovation, and patient-centered care at the hospital.
“My goal for surgery has always been to restore people with the art of surgery to live flourishing lives full of vitality and happiness,” says Dr. Contreras. “I see surgery as a sacred privilege bestowed by the universe—a calling to heal people in their most vulnerable moments.”
His personal mantra, “People first, me last!”, is the foundation of his leadership and medical practice. He believes that patient care, teamwork, and the well-being of others should always take precedence over personal gain, a principle that has guided him throughout his career.
Dr. Contreras is also the head of the Louie-Marc G. Contreras MD Corporation, a surgical practice specializing in general surgery, acute care surgery, trauma surgery, and minimally invasive laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures. His expertise in cutting-edge surgical techniques has led to significantly improved patient outcomes, with shorter recovery times and fewer complications. Under his leadership, Henry Mayo continues to expand its capabilities, ensuring patients receive the highest standard of care using the latest medical advancements.
Beyond his surgical skills, Dr. Contreras is known for his compassionate approach to medicine.
His ability to build trust with patients has earned him glowing reviews, with many commending his professionalism, attentiveness, and dedication to providing the best possible surgical outcomes. His leadership extends beyond the operating room, fostering a collaborative environment among healthcare professionals and advocating for the adoption of new medical technologies and evidence-based practices.
His contributions to the field of surgery were recognized in 2018 when Los Angeles Magazine honored him as a Top Doctor in General Surgery, a testament to his skill and dedication. He is also a mentor to young surgeons, guiding the next generation of medical professionals toward excellence, compassion, and innovation.
Dr. Contreras’s impact extends far beyond the walls of Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. His expertise, leadership, and unwavering philosophy of “People first, me last!” continue to shape the future of surgical care in Southern California. As he pushes the boundaries of surgical excellence, his contributions ensure that Henry Mayo remains at the forefront of transformational, patient-focused medicine.