RETINA - Key Persons

Dr. Elison grew up in Princeton, NJ, and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, majoring in Biology and French. She was the recipient of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) "Pre-Doctoral Intramural Research Training Award" for molecular biology research performed at the National Cancer Institute (NCI). She continued her education at Georgetown University, in Washington D.C, where she received an M.D. and married her husband, Dr. Hernan Bazan of New Orleans, LA. She completed her medical internship and residency in ophthalmology at the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City, after which she undertook a two-year fellowship in medical and surgical retina at the New York Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical Center. During her fellowship she participated in research on ophthalmic ultrasound and on tumors of the eye, for which she received the Margherio Award from the Retina Society as well as the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalomology (ARVO) National Eye Institute (NEI) Award. Upon completion of her formal training she moved to Connecticut where she was on staff at Yale University/New Haven Hospital, and subsequently to New Orleans, joining the faculty at Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center (LSUHSC). At LSUHSC she conducted research on uveitis and macular degeneration, and was the Medical Student Director for the Department of Ophthalmology. In 2010, she joined Dr. Rachal at Retina and Vitreous Specialists of New Orleans, the oldest retina practice in the region, and currently dedicates her efforts to compassionate, individualized and state-of-the art medical care in a welcoming and gentle environment. Dr. Elison's areas of expertise include include age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusive diseases, macular holes and puckers, and torn and detached retinas. She is fluent in French and Spanish.

Dr. Doss grew up in Dallas, Texas and attended Southern Methodist University, Dallas, Texas where she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry. She graduated with magna cum laude distinction and was given the American Chemical Society's "Student of the Year" award. Dr. Doss went on to earn her medical degree (M.D.) from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center School of Medicine, Lubbock, Texas. After medical school, she did her internship and ophthalmology residency at the University of Texas at Houston. During her time as a resident, Dr. Doss served as the chief resident and was elected "Resident of the Year" by her faculty and co-residents. Following residency, Dr. Doss trained at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center where she completed a two-year fellowship program in vitreoretinal surgery. Dr. Doss moved to New Orleans in 2018 and joined the faculty at LSU Health Sciences Center as an assistant professor in ophthalmology where she trains residents and fellows. She joined Dr. Rachal and Dr. Elison at the Retina and Vitreous Specialists of New Orleans in 2021 and aims her efforts towards individualized patient care. Dr. Doss' areas of expertise include age related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinal vascular occlusive diseases, retinal tears and detachments, macular holes and puckers, and secondary intraocular lens implantation for dislocated lenses.

Dr. Rachal started working with Dr. Walter Cockerham in 1978 in the first retina practice in the Gulf South Region. Together they built a prominent retinal and vitreous practice in New Orleans and then expanded to Metairie. His patients were treated to his humor and his stories as well as excellent eye care. He was a superb surgeon and caring physician to thousands of patients in the community. He was a wonderful mentor and colleague to many physicians in the Gulf South area. His office staff benefitted from his leadership and guidance. His presence here will be missed by all who were treated by him professionally and those who had the privilege of working with him.