The University of Rochester Medical Center is pleased to announce the addition of Derek Edward Bell, MD. Dr. Bell received his Bachelor of Science degree with honors from St. John Fisher College in Rochester, New York. He then went on to earn his medical degree from Upstate Medical University at Syracuse in Syracuse, New York.

Prior to joining URMC, Dr. Bell completed his general surgery residency at the State University of Buffalo in Buffalo, New York. Most recently he was a plastic and reconstructive surgery fellow with The University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Dr. Bell has been involved in several plastic and reconstructive research studies focusing on surgical treatment for cleft palate; advances in ganglion cyst excision using the methylene blue injection technique and endoscopic abdominal diastases plication, among others. He has also volunteered with Physicians for Peace-Smile Train to assist in the surgical correction of cleft lips, palates and noses in underserved areas of the Dominican Republic as well as with SC Hope, where he provided free healthcare to homeless patients.

In addition to being the recipient of numerous awards and honors including the Arthur P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Bell was a presidential scholar, a national recognition. He is an associate member of The American College of Surgeons.

Certified Specialties

Plastic Surgery - American Board of Plastic Surgery

Faculty Appointments

Professor - Department of Surgery, Plastic Surgery (SMD)

Professor - Department of Orthopaedics (SMD) - Joint

Credentials

Residency & Fellowship

Fellowship, Plastic Surgery, UVA Health Medical Center. 2007 - 2009

Residency, Surgery (General Surgery), State University Of New York University Of Buffalo-Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences (USA). 2003 - 2007

Internship, Surgery (General Surgery), State University Of New York University Of Buffalo-Jacobs School Of Medicine And Biomedical Sciences (USA). 2002 - 2003

Education

MD | Suny Health Science Center At Syracuse. 2002

Awards

Best in Category Award: The Salt and Ice Challenge: A Case Series and Internet Phenomenon. 2015

Best in Category Award: Frostbite in the Urban Setting, Etiologies and Outcomes. 2015

Joseph E. Losee, M.D. Excellence in Teaching Award. 2014

"Strong Star" Bronze Star Award. 2014

Collegiate Hall of Fame. 2014

"Case of the Year" Award. 2013

Resident Educator of the Year Teaching Award. 2013

Seymour I. Schwartz, M.D. Faculty Excellence in Training Award. 2013

Kluge Trauma and Emergency Medical Services Award-. 2012

Resident Educator of the Year Teaching Award. 2012

Resident Educator of Year Teaching Award. 2012

Resident Educator of the Year Teaching Award. 2011

Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. 2007

Committee on Patient Safety. 2007

Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. 2006

Resident Grievance Committee Resident Representative. 2006 - 2007

Arnold P. Gold Foundation Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award. 2005

Pediatric Surgical Resident of the Year Award. 2005

The Western NY Resident Representative for ACS. 2004 - 2009

Presidential Scholar. 1998

Publications

Journal Articles

Airbag Burns: An Unfortunate Consequence of Motor Vehicle Safety.

Skibba KEH, Cleveland CN, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2021 February 342 (1):71-73. Epub 1900 01 01.

Thin and Ultra-Thin Split-Thickness Skin Grafts Are Safe and Efficacious in the Burn Population.

Chacon MA, Haas J, Hansen TC, Mushin OP, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2020 July 341 (4):849-852. Epub 1900 01 01.

Beauty is pain: pediatric burns resulting from hair curling and flat irons.

Patel AU, Haas JA, Esquenazi MD, Bell DE

Annals of burns and fire disasters.. 2019 June 3032 (2):130-134. Epub 1900 01 01.

Self-inflicted burn injuries: Etiologies, risk factors and impact on institutional resources.

Mushin OP, Esquenazi MD, Ayazi S, Craig C, Bell DE

Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries.. 2019 February 45 (1):213-219. Epub 11/19/2018.

Epidemiology and Outcomes of Auricular Burn Injuries.

Kraenzlin FS, Mushin OP, Ayazi S, Loree J, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2018 April 2039 (3):326-331. Epub 1900 01 01.

A rare case of a superior lumbar hernia secondary to penetrating injury.

Day SJ, Myers PL, Bell DE

Trauma case reports.. 2018 April 14 :5-7. Epub 03/15/2018.

Flexor Hallucis Longus Muscle and Tendon Transfer for the Treatment of Achilles Tendon Wounds.

Anderson MR, Bell DE, Ketz JP

Foot & ankle international.. 2018 February 39 (2):205-209. Epub 11/24/2017.

Use of a home vacuum-assisted closure device in the burn population is both cost-effective and efficacious.

Mushin OP, Bogue JT, Esquenazi MD, Toscano N, Bell DE

Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries.. 2017 May 43 (3):490-494. Epub 02/28/2017.

Jewelry Ring-Associated Electrothermal Burn Injuries: A Nine-Patient Case Series.

Mushin OP, Bogue JT, Pencek ME, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2017 38 (5):e814-e817. Epub 1900 01 01.

The Fire Challenge: Dare to Be Burned.

Roussel LO, Bell DE, Toscano NC

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2016 37 (4):e395-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

The Evolving Role of Members of the American Board of Plastic Surgery in Burn Surgery.

Koltz PF, Frey JD, Bell DE

Annals of plastic surgery.. 2015 September 75 (3):287-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Employment Satisfaction in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Its Influence on Graduating Residents in an Evolving Health Care Climate.

Koltz PF, Frey JD, Sbitany H, Bell DE, Iannuzzi JC, Song DH, Langstein HN

Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2015 July 136 (1):96e-105e. Epub 1900 01 01.

Prevention of hypophosphatemia after burn injury with a protocol for continuous, preemptive repletion.

Kahn SA, Bell DE, Stassen NA, Lentz CW

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2015 36 (3):e220-5. Epub 1900 01 01.

An ultrasound-based approach to preoperative confirmation of reverse radial forearm flap perfusion.

Gribelyuk LM, Koltz PF, Waltzman JT, Fink JA, Bell DE

Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2014 November 134 (5):855e-856e. Epub 1900 01 01.

Aesthetic satisfaction with split-thickness skin grafts in the burn population is related to compliance with ultraviolet radiation reduction measures.

Koltz PF, Childs SM, Bell DE

Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2014 September 134 (3):499e. Epub 1900 01 01.

The complex insurance reimbursement landscape in reduction mammaplasty: how does the American plastic surgeon navigate it?

Frey JD, Koltz PF, Bell DE, Langstein HN

Annals of plastic surgery.. 2014 January 72 (1):23-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Vacuum-assisted closure device as a split-thickness skin graft bolster in the burn population.

Waltzman JT, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2014 35 (5):e338-42. Epub 1900 01 01.

Firefighter safety: rampant unsafe practices as documented in mainstream media.

Kahn SA, Woods J, Sipes JC, Toscano N, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2014 35 (5):426-30. Epub 1900 01 01.

Outpatient burn data: an untapped resource.

Kahn SA, Bell DE, Hutchins P, Lentz CW

Burns : journal of the International Society for Burn Injuries.. 2013 November 39 (7):1351-4. Epub 06/13/2013.

Evolution of abdominal wall reconstruction: development of a unified algorithm with improved outcomes.

Koltz PF, Frey JD, Bell DE, Girotto JA, Christiano JG, Langstein HN

Annals of plastic surgery.. 2013 November 71 (5):554-60. Epub 1900 01 01.

An unsuspected cause of meal-time morbidity: instant noodle scald burns.

Koltz PF, Wasicek P, Mays C, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2013 34 (4):e244-9. Epub 1900 01 01.

Firefighter burn injuries: predictable patterns influenced by turnout gear.

Kahn SA, Patel JH, Lentz CW, Bell DE

Journal of burn care & research : official publication of the American Burn Association.. 2012 33 (1):152-6. Epub 1900 01 01.

Books

Hernia Surgery (2012)

Chapter: Components Separation

Authors: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins

Publisher: ? 2012

Ratings & Comments

At URMC, we believe that patients should be empowered to make the right decisions regarding their personal healthcare. To do so, transparency is critical. URMC partners with Press Ganey, to survey our patients about all aspects of their care experience. We are now putting this pertinent information at your fingertips by displaying star ratings for our providers along with anonymous patient comments on our website. This will help you make better-informed choices about how and with whom you seek care. Click here to learn more about the surveys used to generate this vital information. Learn more about our survey process.

Ratings

During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?

4.4

During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?

4.6

During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?

4.5

During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?

4.5

During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?

4.5

Patient Comments

Didn't seem interested

Sep 03, 2024

Dr Bell and his staff got me an appt on Monday as soon as I got back from vacation. Saw me that day and he informed me I would need surgery on my graft site on Wednesday due to the severity of the injury and possibility of infection. Everyone treated me well and explained surgery to be done.

Sep 01, 2024

Dr. Bell, the ER and everyone on 8H were amazing

Aug 08, 2024

Overall an enlightening experience!

Jul 08, 2024

3.0

I've chosen to believe that he is an exceptional provider, which has also been shared with me by a few + medical personnel at Strong. He has seemed to always be in a hurry, has walked away from me 3 times while I was in the middle of a question or concern, seems very focused on his role but doesn't appear interested or welcoming of my input. I've heard other surgeons ask if there are any questions or concerns. He does not seem to be interested and pops in quickly, leaves rather abruptly and I do not appreciate that demeanor from anyone, let alone my very first surgeon. [...]

Jul 01, 2024

3.4

The provider seemed in a hurry but he was attentive and compassionate.

Jun 15, 2024

3.0

Dr. Bell's skills as a plastic surgeon are great. He knows what he is doing. His weakness comes from poor interpersonal communication skills. His time in the exam room was minimal. He relies heavily on the NP and RN for the more personal communication.

May 08, 2024

1.0

I have never experienced a provider with an extreme lack of bedside manner as Derek Bell. I have personally worked with many medical care providers and his [...] attitude and comments have no place in a professional setting. He is a poor representation of what UR medicine stands for. It was not "medicine of the highest order".

Apr 25, 2024

5.0

Phenomenal. Total focused on what the issue was and what my concerns and needs were

Apr 24, 2024

4.6

Dr Bell agreed to not have surgery and to allow wound to heal by itself with daily dressing change

Apr 23, 2024

1.8

Dr. Bell did not clearly explain my options for treatment or the risks/benefits of each option. He told me which option he would use and did not really answer my questions regarding risks. That being said, I cannot complain about the outcome of my care. Dr. Bell did a great job on my skin grafts and I would use him again if I were ever in need of similar care. I would have preferred to be given more information about the risks/benefits and explanation of the procedure. I was also not told much about what to expect after the surgery. Overall, I think communication could be much better.

Feb 22, 2024

4.6

Good

Jan 03, 2024

3.0

This provider is very difficult to get information from. If you are not going in as a educated, patient knowing the right questions to ask you receive no information from this physician.

Dec 21, 2023

2.6

Dr Bell is a highly accredited surgeon and the only one willing to do the surgery. But he is no nonsense with his bed side manor. He is not rude but he is not gregarious

Dec 13, 2023

5.0

Dr Bell also had a resident doctor whose name I can't recall and he was EXCELLENT too!

Aug 26, 2023

5.0

In my mind Dr Bell excels in all of the above He is truly incredible; intelligent skilled as well as caring

Aug 14, 2023

1.4

[...] He was demeaning and condescending in his interactions with me. [...]

Aug 01, 2023

5.0

Excellent

Jul 16, 2023

3.4

Wish the provider had asked me "what questions do you have" at the end of the visit, and paused long enough for me to collect my thoughts before the visit was over.

Jul 13, 2023

5.0

Considering my medical condition, the visit was a very good experience.

Jun 14, 2023

5.0

He gave a complete description of my issue, the procedure to fix it and what I could expect after treatment.

May 10, 2023

1.0

This was my worst medical experience EVER ANYWHERE.

Apr 12, 2023

5.0

Very good and personable bed side manner also very sincere about care giving.

Feb 07, 2023

5.0

Dr Bell was phenomenal! During my initial appointment to consider surgery for a lipoma he seemed very professional and "matter of fact". On the day of surgery when he had to abort the surgery due to suspicious nature of the mass he came in to room and sat bedside to explain the situation saying it was sent out to be biopsied. At my follow up appointment he was extremely kind and caring. While he was unable to totally interpret the results of the testing he had already been in touch with someone who could. I was in Dr Bell's office on Friday [...] and was called later that day with an appointment for Monday [...] with an oncologist. I so greatly appreciate Dr Bell's "bedside manner" and his expeditious referral [...]. Please let Dr Bell know how much I appreciate the care that he provideplus he is excellent at what he does! There is very little scarring left by the incision that he did do. Thank you!

Dec 28, 2022

4.6

The dr. knew a lot about my health condition and the solution to make me better.

Dec 16, 2022

4.5

I was so concerned about surgery but everything went better than expected!

Dec 05, 2022

5.0

Dr Bell was very involved and interested in my problems. He spoke of things going on the I was not informed of by my own pcp. I appreciate his input.

Nov 24, 2022

2.2

The doctor was quite arrogant while talking to me when I was explaining the painI was experiencing regarding the surgery from 1 1/2 year ago. [...]

Oct 26, 2022

5.0

Good Experience

Oct 25, 2022

5.0

Dr Derek Bell and his staff are exceptional!

Sep 29, 2022

5.0

Great experience

Sep 18, 2022

5.0

Dr. Bell was very straight to the point and direct. He knew exactly how to deal with the problem, very confident about recovery, concerned about the questions I had about caring for wound.

Sep 12, 2022

3.4

Dr. Bell is indeed very busy. I was there for a second appointment (preop). He clearly did not have my medical records, for the first thing he asked me was "have we met before?" (yes we did). He briefly and vaguely described the surgery and then was gone. The entire encounter was about 5 seconds long. I got a better explanation from Dr. Vella and it was my trust in Dr. Vella that caused me to continue to allow Dr. Bell to do the surgery.

Jul 26, 2022

5.0

Dr. Bell is brilliant and skilled in his craft. I trust him completely to do what's in my best interest. He takes the time to listen to my concerns and explain all treatment options and outcomes.

Jun 08, 2022

1.5

Dr. Bell is excellent at what he does. He has a poor Bedside Manner. Is extremely condescending [...]

Mar 18, 2022

5.0

I was seen by NP,Resident and Dr. BELL. All were complete in their assessment, interested in teaching process and intervention to meet my needs.

Feb 18, 2022