John-Erik Bell, MD
- Orthopaedics
Locations
About me
As a specialist in shoulder surgery, I perform a wide range of surgical procedures for the shoulder, including both common and complex reconstructive procedures. My surgical practice features:
Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
Shoulder replacements (including reverse total shoulder replacement)
Repair of unstable shoulders
Revision surgeries after past operations
Arthroscopy
Treatment of shoulder fractures
My primary goal is to always provide the highest quality care for the full range of shoulder conditions, including even the most complicated cases. I work to make sure my patients are informed about their diagnosis and treatment options so they can participate in making their own care decisions.
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 for all shoulder problems. This includes a dedicated group of:
Physician assistants
Nurse practitioners
Registered nurses
Physical therapists
Medical assistants
Athletic trainers
Most of the time, our team can improve pain and dysfunction of the shoulder without surgery, which is our goal whenever possible. Sometimes, the best treatment to restore function and decrease pain is through surgery.
I practice evidence-based medicine and apply the latest research and technology to constantly improve the 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 and innovation. 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 and technological advancements.
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. I have also worked to develop and teach new technology that is utilized worldwide to improve the precise execution of shoulder replacement surgery.
Specialties
- Orthopaedics
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedics, Shoulder and Elbow
- Orthopaedics, Sports Medicine
Areas of focus
- Shoulder arthroscopy
- Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair
- Treatment of simple and complex shoulder instability
- Total shoulder replacement
- Reverse total shoulder replacement
- Fractures and dislocations of the shoulder
- Sports injuries of the shoulder
Titles and faculty positions
- Vice Chair and Section Chief of Faculty Affairs, Department of Orthopaedics
- Professor of Orthopaedics, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth
View my Geisel School of Medicine profile
Awards and achievements
- 2019 to 2025 Top Doctor (named by Castle Connolly, published by New Hampshire Magazine)
Year joined
- 2006
Department websites
Education
Medical school
- MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 2000
Residency
- Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City, IA, 2005
Fellowship
- Shoulder, Elbow and Sports Medicine, Columbia-Presbyterian Medical Center, New York, NY, 2006
Board certification
- Orthopaedic Surgery
- Orthopaedic Sports Medicine