Harold Bell

Dr. Harold Bell serves as Professor of Physiology and Assistant Dean of Foundational Sciences Education at Central Michigan University College of Medicine, where he has provided leadership since joining as inaugural faculty in 2012 and assuming his administrative role in 2018. His responsibilities include oversight of the pre-clerkship medical curriculum and course direction for Cardio Pulmonary Wellness and Disease since 2013.

His educational foundation includes comprehensive training at the University of Toronto:

• B.Sc.(Hons), University of Toronto
• M.Sc., University of Toronto
• Ph.D., University of Toronto
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, University of Calgary
• Postdoctoral Fellowship, Penn State University College of Medicine

Dr. Bell's research investigates fundamental mechanisms of respiratory control, specializing in opioid-induced respiratory depression, hypoxia responses, and autoresuscitation phenomena. His work bridges basic physiological mechanisms with clinical implications, particularly regarding breathing pattern disorders and pharmacological interventions. Using rat models and cellular approaches, he examines how morphine suppresses augmented breaths, how hydrogen sulfide modulates chemoreception, and the neural basis of respiratory pattern generation during oxygen deprivation.

His publication record demonstrates consistent productivity in high-impact physiology journals over the past decade, with recurring themes in respiratory neurobiology, opioid pharmacology, and hypoxia responses. This body of work reveals strong collaboration patterns, particularly with Dr. Philippe Haouzi, and maintains relevance to both basic science and clinical respiratory medicine.

Dr. Bell's professional recognition highlights his research contributions:

• Young Investigator Award from the International selection committee of the Xth Oxford Conference on Modelling and Control of Breathing
• Scholarship from the University of Toronto Faculty of Medicine

As an educator, he champions student-centered active learning and integrates research experiences into medical education. His dual role as Professor and Assistant Dean enables him to connect foundational science with clinical training while maintaining active research engagement. Dr. Bell's leadership in curriculum development and accreditation reflects his commitment to innovative medical education.

His research program operates within the CMED Research Building without a formally named laboratory, focusing on respiratory control disorders through collaborative projects and student involvement. Professional memberships in the American Physiological Society and American Thoracic Society anchor his engagement with broader scientific communities.