Douglas Bell, M.D., Ph.D. Closed Now

Dr. Douglas Bell is a physician, researcher, and professor recognized for his contributions to clinical decision support systems (CDSS), electronic health records (EHRs), and health IT evaluation. With training in internal medicine, health services research, and informatics, Dr. Bell has dedicated his career to advancing the safe, effective, and meaningful use of health information systems in clinical care.

He serves as a Professor of Medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where he also directs multiple research initiatives in health informatics. His work often bridges the gap between clinical practice and technology design, ensuring that data-driven systems genuinely improve healthcare delivery and patient safety.

Dr. Bell has led important studies on how clinical decision support tools can reduce medication errors, support evidence-based prescribing, and improve physician workflow. He has also conducted national evaluations of electronic health record adoption, providing key insights into how health IT policies and incentives shape practice transformation in the U.S. healthcare system.

In addition to his academic research, Dr. Bell has worked with organizations such as the RAND Corporation and the U.S. Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT (ONC) on projects involving healthcare quality measurement, IT policy, and standardization of medical knowledge representation. His expertise in health data standards has contributed to interoperability initiatives critical for modern health systems.

Through his publications, mentorship, and leadership, Dr. Bell has made a lasting impact on how health data systems support safer, higher-quality, and more efficient care delivery.