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Home News Cancer Institute surgeon elected to prestigious Southern Surgical Association

Cancer Institute surgeon elected to prestigious Southern Surgical Association

Published: Sunday, July 5, 2009

Membership of the Southern Surgical Association, known in the medical and surgical fields as one of the most prestigious regional surgical organizations in the nation, recently elected Dr. John L. Bell of The University of Tennessee Medical Center as a member. Bell, a surgical oncologist, director of UT Medical Center’s Cancer Institute and professor of the Department of Surgery for University of Tennessee Graduate School of Medicine, becomes one of just three Knoxville-area surgeons to be elected as a member of the organization.

“To be elected to the prestigious, invitation only Southern Surgical Association is truly one of the highlights of my professional and personal career,” said Bell. “Although an individual reward, I could not have accomplished this honor without the help and assistance of many people. I want to personally thank, first and foremost, my wife Beverly and my three daughters.

“I also am indebted to my department chairman, Dr. Mitchell Goldman, for nominating me. In addition, I want to thank the entire UT Medical Center and all of the individuals connected with it, including colleagues, staff, friends and patients.”

Goldman, a vascular surgeon at UT Medical Center, earned election to the Southern Surgical Association in 1988. He filed the initial nomination of Bell to the organization while numerous other members throughout the nation added letters of support for Bell.

“Throughout his career, Dr. Bell’s extensive involvement with research and clinical care for cancer has gained national recognition,” said Goldman. “Dr. Bell has a lifetime career in advancing the quality of medical care for patients with cancer, which has earned him the respect of his peers and led to the support for his nomination to the Southern Surgical Association.”

Bell is widely recognized for his work in the establishment of the Breast Health Outreach Program at The University of Tennessee Medical Center, a program that brings breast cancer education, outreach and screening mammograms to women throughout the East Tennessee region, with an emphasis on the medically underserved. Bell is currently past chair of the Tennessee Comprehensive Cancer Control Coalition, a statewide organization dedicated to reducing cancer incidences and cancer-related deaths throughout the state through prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation.

Additionally, Bell’s work with regional and national professional medical and surgical organizations is extensive. Among his societal memberships: American Cancer Society, American Society of Breast Disease, American Society of Breast Surgeons, American Society of Clinical Oncology, American College of Physician Executives, American College of Surgeons – Fellow, American Medical Association, Association for Academic Surgery, Association of Cancer Executives, Knoxville Academy of Medicine, Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Society of Surgical Oncology, Southeastern Surgical Congress and Tennessee Medical Association.

Established Oct. 12, 1887, the Southern Surgical Association, Goldman said, has included members who are legends in surgical advances. That historical perspective is something Bell said he recognizes and has great respect for as he becomes a member of the organization.

“I will continue to work diligently to favorably represent myself and UT Medical Center as I continue to pursue both my personal and professional goals,” Bell said.