Orange County Neurosurgeon
Dr. Robert Louis, MD

Robert Louis, MD - Orange County NeurosurgeonDr. Robert Louis, MD, a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon in Orange County, California, serves as the Director of the Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program at Hoag Memorial Hospital. He specializes in the endoscopic and minimally invasive treatment of both benign and malignant brain tumors, as well as sellar, parasellar, and skull base tumors.

Leveraging advanced neuroimaging and neuro-navigation technologies, Dr. Louis employs keyhole neurosurgery techniques to minimize damage to surrounding brain tissue, blood vessels, and soft tissues. His approach often involves utilizing small incisions or natural orifices to remove tumors, a method shown to reduce post-operative pain, minimize neurological complications, and shorten recovery time, ultimately leading to improved patient outcomes.

Dr. Louis’ clinical expertise extends to complex areas such as minimally invasive brain tumor surgery, neuroendoscopy, microneurosurgery, spinal surgery, and peripheral nerve surgery. Committed to a thoughtful and patient-centered approach, he provides individualized care, prioritizing the well-being of his patients while delivering exceptional neurosurgical treatment.

Specialization

Minimally Invasive Keyhole Brain
Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery
Conventional Craniotomy
CyberKnife® Robotic Radiosurgery

Dr. Robert Louis, a distinguished neurosurgeon in Orange County, was raised in a suburb of Boston and completed his undergraduate studies at Boston University. He then pursued his medical education, earning his degree before being selected for residency in neurological surgery at the University of Virginia. During his six years at UVA, Dr. Louis had the privilege of training under the guidance of Dr. John Jane, completing over 1,200 cases across a wide range of cranial and spinal neurosurgical procedures.

Throughout his residency, Dr. Louis specialized in complex brain tumor surgery, skull base surgery, and pituitary surgery, receiving extensive training under the mentorship of Dr. Edward Oldfield, widely regarded as one of the leading authorities in pituitary surgery. Following his Chief Residency in neurosurgery, Dr. Louis pursued advanced subspecialty training with a fellowship in Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery at the John Wayne Cancer Institute, where he trained under Dr. Daniel Kelly.

Dr. Louis is among a select few fellowship-trained minimally invasive neurosurgeons in the United States and holds the distinction of being the only such specialist in Orange County, Southern California.

Dr. Louis is one of the few fellowship-trained minimally invasive neurosurgeons in the nation and the only specialist in Orange County with this esteemed distinction.

• Minimally invasive brain tumor surgery
• Minimally invasive skull base tumor surgery
• Neuroendoscopy
• Microneurosurgery
• Complex spinal surgery
• Peripheral nerve surgery
• Pituitary surgery

Director, Skull Base and Pituitary Tumor Program, Hoag Memorial Hospital
August 2014 – present

Fellow Minimally Invasive Neurosurgery
July 2013 – June 2014

Chief Residency, Neurosurgery, University of Virginia
July 2012 – June 2013

University of Virginia
Brain tumor, skull base and pituitary surgery
Mentors: Dr. Edward Oldfield, Dr. John Jane, Dr. Mark Shaffrey and Dr. John Jane Jr.

John Wayne Cancer Institute/St. John’s Hospital
Minimally invasive neurosurgery fellowship
Mentor: Dr. Daniel Kelly

Hoag Hospital
Newport Beach, California
August 2014 –present
University of Virginia
Dr. John Jane – Neurological Surgery

Boston University – Boston, MA
Sargent College of Allied Health Professions
B.S. Human Physiology
2012

American University of the Caribbean – Coral Gables, FL
School of Medicine
M.D.
2007

Internship: University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA
General Surgery
2007-2008

Residency: University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA
Neurological Surgery
2008-2012

Chief Residency: University of Virginia – Charlottesville, VA
Neurological Surgery
2012-2013

Dr. Louis is internationally recognized for his dedication to teaching and philanthropy, particularly in the field of neurosurgery. His humanitarian efforts have taken him to East Africa, where he leads multidisciplinary teams on medical missions to Tanzania as part of Madaktari and the Foundation for International Education in Neurosurgery. In 2011, he was honored with the prestigious American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Young Neurosurgeons’ Public Service Citation for his exceptional contributions to neurosurgical relief and education in Africa.

Read More About Dr. Louis’ Neurosurgical Humanitarian Work in Africa ➲. – AANS Young Neurosurgeon Public Service Citation: Awarded for outstanding humanitarian relief efforts and education in Tanzania, 2011.

Valedictorian
AUC School of Medicine – Class of 2007

Chancellor Paul S. Tien Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement (2007)

Predoctoral Award for The Best Oral Presentation
21st annual meeting of the AACA, June 9-12, 2004, Moraga, CA, The Gross Anatomy of the Inferior Phrenic Veins

Predoctoral award for the best poster presentation, Sandy Marks Award
4th Joint AACA/BACA meeting in New York City, July 20-22, 2005

From 2011 to 2013, Dr. Louis served as an instructor in Neuroscience and Anatomy for the Brain, Mind, and Behavior course at the University of Virginia. In 2012, he was appointed Director of the Skull Base Anatomical Dissection Laboratory at the university. Dr. Louis’ passion for teaching has earned him multiple awards for excellence in both education and research.

In addition to his specialized training in the neurosurgical treatment of brain and pituitary tumors, Dr. Louis has a strong interest in microsurgical neuroanatomy. His research focuses on advancing the understanding of neuroanatomy and the development of innovative neurosurgical techniques. Dr. Louis has authored over 60 peer-reviewed scientific publications and contributed to numerous book chapters.

Read Dr. Louis’ List of Neurosurgery Research and Publications ➲

 

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Robert Louis, MD, a renowned neurosurgeon in Orange County, brings extensive experience, education, and specialized training in brain and skull base surgeries, as well as minimally invasive spine procedures. To schedule an appointment, please call (949) 383-4185.