Prof. Elias Chelala (FM, 1984), a distinguished ophthalmologist, has been elected president of the Lebanese Order of Physicians in Beirut, winning broad support from his peers with a total of 870 votes. As head of the Ophthalmology Department at Hôtel-Dieu de France (HDF) and chair of its Medical Committee, he combines clinical excellence with ethical commitment in service to the medical profession in Lebanon.
His academic journey began at Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour, where he earned both the Lebanese Baccalaureate in Experimental Sciences and the French Baccalaureate (Terminale D). In 1977, he enrolled at the USJ Faculty of Medicine, graduating in 1984. Drawn by the precision and complexity of visual health, he chose to specialize in ophthalmology – a field that demands both surgical skill and mastery of cutting-edge technology.
His ambition led him to train internationally: in 1985, he earned the Medical Council of Canada certification and passed the United States Medical License Exam (FMGEMS). He then joined the University of Montreal for his ophthalmology residency, earning his specialized studies diploma in 1988. In Paris, he further honed his expertise at Hôtel-Dieu de Paris under Prof. Yves Pouliquen, specializing in ocular ultrasound and posterior segment diagnostics.
Returning to Lebanon in 1998, he joined HDF and steadily rose to lead the Ophthalmology Department. Beyond his clinical work, he chairs the hospital’s medical committee, helping guide clinical policy, uphold ethical standards, and ensure high-quality care. In 2016, he expanded his academic portfolio by earning a University Diploma in Medicine with a concentration in Health Sciences Education from FM, reflecting his dedication to teaching and continuous professional development. That same year, he became president of the Lebanese Ophthalmological Society, a role he held until 2018.
A prolific researcher, Chelala has published around twenty scientific articles in leading international journals, exploring cutting-edge topics such as the retina, keratoconus, intraocular implants, and the ocular effects of certain cancer therapies. His work has established him as a prominent figure in francophone ophthalmology in Lebanon.
Alongside him, several other physicians who graduated from FM also sit on the council of the Order, including Dr. Krikor Edjidian, Dr. Henri Fakhoury, Dr. Joe Rassi, and Dr. Philippe Younès.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of our first research newsletter at the Saint Joseph University of Beirut!
This new biannual publication is designed to keep you up-to-date on scientific advancements, ongoing projects, and the research activities led by our teams.
In this first issue, you’ll discover:
We hope this newsletter will become a go-to space for sharing and celebrating the work of our researchers, sparking new synergies among our teams. Your ideas, feedback, and suggestions are welcome as we build and enrich this new communication platform!
Join us in advancing research at USJ!
The Student Life Office of the Saint Joseph University of Beirut and the General Management of Hôtel-Dieu de France and its Hospital Network are pleased to present the Privilege Card!
First launched in 2013 as a student initiative, the Privilege Card has since grown to benefit the entire USJ community, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and the Hôtel-Dieu de France network, including doctors and hospital staff. With the Privilege Card, you can enjoy exclusive discounts at over 100 locations, including restaurants, resorts, shops, beauty salons, and more.
This year, the Privilege Card is a collaborative effort between the USJ Student Life Office and the Social Service of Hôtel-Dieu de France. By joining forces, we aim to enrich your experience by providing valuable discounts and unique opportunities across various sectors.
