1. Born May 17, 1944, Columbia, South Carolina. Reared in the projects of Allen - Benedict Court by John H. Bell and Hattie Lillian Spann Bell, a barber and teacher, respectively.
    
2. Siblings - Gary E. Bell, Reginald Spann Bell, and Veta T. Fasion
    
3. Interest in Medicine started in 9th grade, finalist in state Science Fair 1962, Played Defensive and Offensive End for CA Johnson High School State Championship football team in 1961-62

Education

1. Diploma, C.A. Johnson High School, Columbia, SC, 1962
    
2. B. S. Degree, Biology, South Carolina State College, 1966
    
3. M. S. Degree, Science Education, Atlanta University, 1970
    
4. M.D., College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 1976
    
5. Family-Medicine Residency, Richland Memorial Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina 1979
6. Fellow of the American Academy of Family Medicine, 1979

Military Training

1. US Air Force Reserves, Major, 1981-1992
    
2. Aerospace Medicine, Flight Surgeon, San Antonio, Texas, 1983

Professional Experience

1. Associate Dean for Minority Affairs, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina 2004-present.
    
2. Family Physician in Private Practice 1986-present.
    
3. Staff Physician at the VA Hospital Charleston, South Carolina, 1980-1986
    
4. Medical Director and founder of Cross Rural Family Health Center 1980-1989
    
5. Founder of Closing the Gap in Health Care, Inc. 2004

Organizations

• Life Member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity
   
• Life Member of South Carolina State College Alumni Association
   
• Life Member of Medical University Alumni Association
   
• Member of the National Medical Association  
   
• Board Member of the South Carolina Medical Association
   
• Board Member of the Franklin C. Fetter Health Center
   
• Board Member of South Carolina First Step
   
• Chairman Health Initiative of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity 6th District

Awards & Recognitions

1. Stellar Graduate Award for contributions in medicine (Calendar ) - South Carolina State University, 2006-2007
    
2. Omega Psi Phi Founder Award for Closing the Gap in Health Care, 2006.
    
3. South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Services Health Disparity Award for most outstanding contributions for eliminating health disparities, 2005.
    
4. South Carolina Academy of Family Medicine Physician of the Year Award, 1996.
    
5. Honoree on BellSouth SC African American History Calendar, 1996.
    
6. Inducted into the South Carolina Black Hall of Fame, 1995.
    
7. Distinguished Alumni Award - South Carolina State College, 1993.
    
8. Distinguished Alumni Award - Medical University of South Carolina, 1992.
    
9. Honorary Doctorate in Humanities - Charleston Southern University, Charleston, South Carolina, 2001.
    
10. Wall of Fame - Columbia Housing Authority, 1987.

Church Affiliation

• Member, Olive Branch AME Church  

Family

• Thaddeus John Bell II (deceased)
   
• Tiffany J. Bell
   
• Tonisha J. Bell

Hobbies

• Co-Founder of Bell/Schlau Track and Field Seminars for boys and girls ages 6-12, 1993- present
   
• Track & Field - Dr. Bell is a 2-time World Masters Champion, 1987- 100m dash, 1989 - 100m dash. He was also a member of three World Championship 4x100 relay teams in 1989 age 45-49 category, 1996 age 50-54 category, and 2001 age 55-59 category. In 2000 Dr. Bell was selected as one of the best athletes of the Century in South Carolina in track and field.

The road to success is always under construction!
Dr. Bell’s Motto for Life