John-Erik Bell, MD

I joined the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at DHMC because of its reputation for patient-centered care with an emphasis on shared decision making and attention to patient-reported outcomes.

I truly believe that DHMC places patient needs above all other priorities and this matches my philosophy of care perfectly. By utilizing proven treatment methods and listening carefully to the individual needs of my patients, my primary goal is to always provide compassionate and comprehensive care. I try to keep patients informed about their options so they can participate in making their own decisions, and to treat every patient as if they are part of my family.

As a specialist in shoulder surgery, I perform a wide range of surgical procedures for the shoulder, ranging from common procedures to very complex reconstructive procedures. My surgical practice features arthroscopic rotator cuff repair, primary and revision shoulder replacement surgery including reverse total shoulder replacement, repair of shoulder instability, reconstruction of shoulders that have had previous surgery, shoulder arthroscopy and treatment of fractures around the shoulder.

I am fortunate to work with an excellent team of providers who also specialize in shoulder care and work with me on a daily basis to provide comprehensive care of all shoulder problems. This includes a dedicated group of physician assistants, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, physical therapists and athletic trainers. Most of the time, our team can improve pain and dysfunction of the shoulder without surgery, which is always our goal whenever possible. Sometimes, the best treatment to restore function and decrease pain is through surgery.

I practice evidence-based medicine, using the latest research and up-to-date thinking to guide care of my patients. The other side of my professional life is my desire to contribute to our understanding of shoulder conditions through my own research. I spend a great deal of my free time thinking about shoulder problems and coming up with ways that we can improve our knowledge through scientific research. I have published many papers and textbook chapters on a wide range of shoulder conditions, including shoulder replacement, shoulder fractures, rotator cuff repair, labral tears, shoulder instability and the cost-effectiveness of shoulder surgery.