Oasis Of Hope Hospital Highly Experienced Medical Care Team

Our Doctors

Oasis of Hope - Dr. Jorge Barroso-Aranda

Dr. Ernesto Contreras, Sr.
Founder
In 1963, the late Dr. Ernesto Contreras, Sr. opened the Oasis of Hope Hospital and initiated what would become a healing tradition known as the Total Cancer Care Approach. Dr. Contreras is recognized in multiple publications as a pioneer in body, mind, and spirit medicine. At the foundation of his philosophy were two principles inspired by Hippocrates, the father of medicine, and Jesus Christ, The Great Physician: 1) First, do no harm; 2) Love your patient as you love yourself.

Because of his philosophy, Dr. Contreras taught his medical staff to never prescribe treatments that would destroy the quality of life of the patient. He also insisted that Oasis of Hope physicians offer therapies that they would be willing to take if in the same circumstances. His emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship, along with his integration of natural and conventional therapies with emotional and spiritual counseling, were the principle reasons why more than 100,000 patients from 55 nations have come to Oasis of Hope for treatment over the last 45 years.

Dr. Contreras believed that to be effective as a physician, one had to blend art and science. When treating cancer patients, Dr. Contreras looked beyond the obvious. He would find the root needs of his patients and develop personalized therapies to address the unique circumstance of each. His commitment to treat his patients with professionalism, ethics, and compassion made him a beloved doctor. As a researcher, Dr. Contreras explored hundreds of treatment modalities in his constant quest to help his patients. His untiring determination inspired his staff and patients alike.

At age 88, after 62 years of medical practice, Dr. Contreras went on to be with the Lord. Two of his significant contributions to humanity were his model for integrative medicine and the development of a tremendous platform for the advancement of cancer research, treatment, and control. The Oasis of Hope is home of the healing legacy of Dr. Ernesto Contreras, Sr. and the staff continues to utilize the Total Care Approach and develop and design new and effective protocols for comprehensive cancer management.

Dr. Francisco Contreras
Director, President and Chairman
Dr. Francisco Contreras serves as director, president and chairman of the Oasis of Hope Hospital. A distinguished oncologist and surgeon, Contreras is renowned for combining conventional and alternative medical treatments with emotional and spiritual support to provide patients with the most positive treatment experience possible.

Oasis of Hope was founded by Contreras’ father, Dr. Ernesto Contreras, Sr. in 1963, and since then the hospital has provided integrative cancer treatment for more than 100,000 patients. As director, Contreras continues the practice of his father’s two fundamental principles – do no harm and treat the patient as yourself. Today, Contreras oversees the treatment of 800 cancer patients annually.

After graduating with honors from medical school at the Autonomous University of Mexico in Toluca, Contreras studied alternative therapy at the Oasis of Hope Hospital. He then completed his specialty in surgical oncology at the University of Vienna in Austria, where he also graduated with honors.

Contreras has authored and co-authored several books concerning integrative therapy, cancer and heart disease prevention and chronic illness, including “The Hope of Living Cancer Free,” “The Hope of Living Long and Well,” “Fighting Cancer 20 Different Ways” and “Dismantling Cancer.” His newest book with co-author Daniel E. Kennedy, “Hope, Medicine & Healing,” is scheduled for release in fall 2008.

In addition to writing for numerous medical journals, Contreras has participated in medical conferences such as the World Conference on Breast Cancer and is active in the Cancer Control Society. He has been a part of governmental organizations, including the Georgia House of Representatives Health Policy Task Force and the Japanese Medical Association. He has also been on special assignment to Slovakia as a member of the Mexican Health Advisory Board.

A qualified entry-level professional motorcycle racer, Contreras says that racing is similar to performing surgery in that it requires 100 percent focus. Contreras and his wife, Rosa, have four daughters and one son. The family attends church in Bonita, Calif., and enjoys skiing and travel.

Patients who elect to have

Jorge Barroso-Aranda, MD PhD - As Vice-President of Medical Research & Development of the Oasis of Hope Health Group, Dr. Barroso has spearheaded the Oasis of Hope in the development of integrative and innovative cancer protocols that are based on renowned medical publications. He earned his B.S. degree in Engineering in 1975 form the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education and his M.D. degree in 1982 from the School of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Baja California.

He holds a PhD in Bioengineering Sciences from the University of California San Diego, where he also worked as researcher in the Department of Applied Mechanics and Engineering Science (AMES) and received a Postdoctoral Fellow in Bioengineering.

Throughout his career Dr. Barroso has held prominent positions, such as Environmental Advisor for prestigious companies, including St. John's Knits and Sanifill, Inc., and served as General Director and Coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency of the state of Baja California, Mexico, from 1991 to 1996.

He completed extensive research alongside Dr. Benjamin W. Zweifach who is considered to be the father of microcirculation. In addition, Dr. Barroso has published numerous papers in prestigious medical journals, and has presented his projects regarding the role of leukocyte kinetics, neutrophil activation and tumor necrosis factor in multiple organ failure in hemorrhagic and endotoxic shock before congresses and forums in Mexico, the United States, Italy and Japan.

Mark F. McCarty - Mark F. McCarty is a nutritionist and a researcher who obtained his undergraduate education in biochemistry at the University of California San Diego, Revelle College. He has published over two hundred articles on a wide range of biomedical topics in the peer-reviewed medical literature. He has been awarded seven U.S. patents for a variety of applied nutritional measures. McCarty co-founded NutriGuard Research and worked for many years as the research director for Nutrition 21. He brings his expertise in nutrition and his research experience to the Oasis of Hope Clinical Research Organization.

Francisco Ceceña, M.D.
Director of the Oncology

Dr. Ceceña has been an integral member and leader of the Oasis of Hope medical staff. Dr. Ceceña's tenure at Oasis of Hope has given him knowledgeable insight into multiple areas of a patient's care, from patient admittance, to home care treatment, patient follow-up, and now as the Director of Oncology.

He obtained his M.D. degree from the School of Medicine of the Autonomous University of Baja California in 1984 and served in several private hospitals and public health institutions before joining the Oasis of Hope Hospital medical staff in 1993.

One of the reasons for Dr. Ceceña's long tenure at Oasis of hope is his unique approach to patient care. Dr. Ceceña is deeply committed to his patients and is well known for his passion regarding the medical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients.

Felipe Lagos, M.D.

Dr. Lagos has been part of the Oasis of Hope medical staff for more than thirty years, overseeing and treating thousands of cancer patients.

He earned his M.D. degree from the prestigious School of Medicine of the National Autonomous University of Mexico in 1971. He followed by completing his medical residency at Mexico City General Hospital from 1973 to 1975. Dr. Lagos joined Oasis of Hope Hospital in 1976.

Dr. Lagos served as Medical Director of the Oasis of Hope during the 1980's and mid 1990's. He continues to be one of our most experienced doctors with extensive knowledge in the management of critical cancer patient.