Contact
Derek Bell, M.D.
View Contact & SchedulingLocations
Strong Memorial Hospital
601 Elmwood Avenue
Rochester, NY 14642
Surgery Center at Sawgrass
160 Sawgrass Drive, Suite 120
Rochester, NY 14620
About Me
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
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.
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.
Patel AU, Haas JA, Esquenazi MD, Bell DE
Annals of burns and fire disasters.. 2019 June 3032 (2):130-134. Epub 1900 01 01.
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.
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.
Day SJ, Myers PL, Bell DE
Trauma case reports.. 2018 April 14 :5-7. Epub 03/15/2018.
Anderson MR, Bell DE, Ketz JP
Foot & ankle international.. 2018 February 39 (2):205-209. Epub 11/24/2017.
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.
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.
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.
Koltz PF, Frey JD, Bell DE
Annals of plastic surgery.. 2015 September 75 (3):287-9. Epub 1900 01 01.
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.
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.
Gribelyuk LM, Koltz PF, Waltzman JT, Fink JA, Bell DE
Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2014 November 134 (5):855e-856e. Epub 1900 01 01.
Koltz PF, Childs SM, Bell DE
Plastic and reconstructive surgery.. 2014 September 134 (3):499e. Epub 1900 01 01.
Frey JD, Koltz PF, Bell DE, Langstein HN
Annals of plastic surgery.. 2014 January 72 (1):23-9. Epub 1900 01 01.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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Ratings
During this visit, did this provider spend enough time with you?
During this visit, did this provider show respect for what you had to say?
During this visit did this provider give you easy to understand information about these health questions or concerns?
During this visit, did this provider listen carefully to you?
During this visit, did this provider explain things in a way that was easy to understand?
Patient Comments
Overall an enlightening experience!
Jul 08, 2024
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
The provider seemed in a hurry but he was attentive and compassionate.
Jun 15, 2024
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
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
Phenomenal. Total focused on what the issue was and what my concerns and needs were
Apr 24, 2024
Dr Bell agreed to not have surgery and to allow wound to heal by itself with daily dressing change
Apr 23, 2024
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
Good
Jan 03, 2024
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
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
Dr Bell also had a resident doctor whose name I can't recall and he was EXCELLENT too!
Aug 26, 2023
In my mind Dr Bell excels in all of the above He is truly incredible; intelligent skilled as well as caring
Aug 14, 2023
[...] He was demeaning and condescending in his interactions with me. [...]
Aug 01, 2023
Excellent
Jul 16, 2023
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
Considering my medical condition, the visit was a very good experience.
Jun 14, 2023
He gave a complete description of my issue, the procedure to fix it and what I could expect after treatment.
May 10, 2023
This was my worst medical experience EVER ANYWHERE.
Apr 12, 2023
Very good and personable bed side manner also very sincere about care giving.
Feb 07, 2023
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
The dr. knew a lot about my health condition and the solution to make me better.
Dec 16, 2022
I was so concerned about surgery but everything went better than expected!
Dec 05, 2022
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
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
Good Experience
Oct 25, 2022
Dr Derek Bell and his staff are exceptional!
Sep 29, 2022
Great experience
Sep 18, 2022
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
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
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
Dr. Bell is excellent at what he does. He has a poor Bedside Manner. Is extremely condescending [...]
Mar 18, 2022
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