Joey Bell’s Lifetime of Impact

Remembering Dr. Joey Bell, BSPharm ’82, MD ’86, a proud member of the Lumbee tribe and a dedicated physician.

Story by Sarah Clark | Published July 15, 2025

Dr. Joseph “Joey” Bell, BSPharm ‘82, MD ’86, who passed away in June, was a proud member of the Lumbee tribe and a dedicated physician who spent his career advocating for children’s health and well-being and providing quality health care to underserved populations. 

Joey received his undergraduate degree from the UNC School of Pharmacy in 1982 and continued his education to receive a medical degree with a specialization in pediatrics from the UNC Medical School in 1986. Upon graduation, Joey became the first Lumbee pediatrician and American Indian pediatrician in the state of North Carolina, where he then spent a long career dedicated to serving his community with patience, kindness, and compassion. 

“[Joey] was such a humble person, despite a long resumé of accomplishments in his life,” shares Dr. Ronny Bell, the Chair of the Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy and Joey Bell’s younger brother. 

When Joey was in medical school, Ronny was in undergrad at Carolina and their oldest brother, Greg, was in law school. Even during their busy schedules, the three would spend time together eating meals or playing or watching basketball, as Joey played JV basketball during his freshman year at UNC. Ronny remembers Joey’s commitment and determination, even during these outings, as Joey would often bring his textbooks to dinner, laying them out on the table to read while they ate. His commitment to health care had not wavered even after graduation, and his decades of service can speak to that

Joey’s career as a pediatrician has taken him from Carl Albert Indian Hospital, Choctaw Nation Indian Hospital, Robeson Healthcare Corporation and beyond. He was also the owner and partner at Children’s Health of Carolina, whose mission is to make quality health care available to any child that is in need. For many years, Joey served here as the head pediatrician at Children’s Health of Pembroke, providing care to his local community, many of whom had a great need for accessible and quality health care. Joey credits his experience at the UNC School of Pharmacy in preparing him for medical school and his career, and that being trained as a pharmacist made him a better pediatrician. 

“He had such a heart for serving people,” says Ronny. “He was someone that, if you needed something done, you would call him, and he would do it for you.” 

His involvement in the Robeson County Medical Society, American Academy of Pediatrics Committee on Native American Child Health, the Association of American Indian Physicians and more has helped to create lasting impact, as he actively advocated for better health care access in underserved areas. He was also a dedicated mentor, hosting medical and PA students from various schools including UNC, Duke, Campbell, and Methodist. The UNC Health Foundation also created a scholarship in Joey’s name, which will support UNC medical students who are passionate about serving in American Indian communities. For many people, Joey served as an inspiration, having been cited as the reason that several individuals within their community wanted to pursue a career in health care. 

Joey was a trailblazer, a recipient of The Order of the Longleaf Pine, and a beacon of light for the countless individuals he has helped throughout his lifetime. Joey will be deeply missed, but the School and the community at large are determined to continue his legacy, providing pathways into health care professions for Native Americans, and providing access to quality health care for underserved populations.