Dr. Maria Bell
Augustana Class of 1984

Hometown: Aberdeen, SD

Undergraduate Major: Biology
Undergraduate Minor: Chemistry

Current Position: Director of Gynecologic Oncology
Employer: Sioux Valley Hospital/University of South Dakota School of Medicine

Please share a little about what you've been up to since graduation from Augie!
After attending Augie, I obtained my medical degree from the University of South Dakota. I then went on to finish my residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Chicago, and followed that with a Gynecologic Oncology fellowship at the University of Alabama. I was then hired as the director of Gynecologic Oncology at Louisiana State University for four years. I was recruited back to Sioux Falls six years ago, and practice primarily at Sioux Valley Hospital. I have a faculty appointment at USD medical school. I continue to do research, both clinical and translational in the field of Gynecologic Oncology. I married a physician who was trained in Germany and we have two children, ages 9 and 7, so we are busy doing family things. In addition to having a full plate with family and my practice, I have chosen to go back to graduate school. I am obtaining my Masters in Public Health through the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Why did you choose to specialize in gynecologic oncology?
I was immediately drawn to gynecologic oncology because of the patients. Additionally, the surgery is very complicated, challenging, and demanding. I enjoy the research aspect as well.

Did you feel that Augustana provided you with a solid background for medical school?
I definitely felt that Augie prepared me not only for medicine, but for the broader avenues of life.

What extracurricular activities were you involved with?
I was recruited to Augie by Sandy Jerstad to play tennis, so I played all 4 years. I also worked about 15 hours a week at a local restaurant "The Layfayette" as a waitress.

Are you involved in the community now?
I am the medical director for the All Women Count program which is a state sponsored program for underinsured women to get Pap smears and mammograms.

Do you ever let Augustana students "shadow" you on the job?
Yes.

What one piece of advice would you give students thinking about pre-med coursework at Augustana?
Try to squeeze in as many non-science courses as possible because it's hard to think about much else other than medicine during medical school and residency.

In your mind, what advantages does a liberal arts education afford future doctors and nurses?
I believe that the broad based curriculum gives the student a firm base on which to build a career and character.

Are there accomplishments that you are particularly proud of or honors you've received that you'd like to share with us?
I received the highest teaching award from the University of South Dakota School of Medicine last year.

What is your favorite memory from Augustana?
I enjoyed traveling with the women's tennis team. We all got along terrifically, and I had a great time.

What do you miss most about Augie?
Going to class in sweats!

Who were your biggest influences on campus?
Sandy Jerstad (tennis coach), Milton Hanson (chemistry professor), and Dr. Prescott (biochem professor and advisor).