Rate My Professor Rebecca Bell

Rebecca Bell is a Senior Research Nurse and Gynaecology Research Nurse in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Otago, Christchurch, within New Zealand's Division of Health Sciences. She joined the department in 2018 and plays a key role in multiple gynaeoncology research projects, serving as a multisite study coordinator for national initiatives in New Zealand and international collaborations in Australia. Bell's work focuses on clinical research in women's health, particularly advancing HPV primary screening methods, vaginal self-testing implementation, and understanding participant experiences, including those of Māori communities. She contributes to the 'Let's Test for HPV' study in capacities such as Clinical Research Nurse, Study Operations Manager, and Practice Liaison.

Bell qualified as a Comprehensive Registered Nurse in 1995 with a Diploma in Nursing Studies from Christchurch Polytechnic Institute of Technology (now ARA). She pursued further education at the University of Otago, completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Health Sciences Endorsed in Nursing (Leadership and Management) in 2016 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Health Sciences Endorsed in Nursing in 2018. In 2024, she finished PUBH713 Society, Health and Health Promotion, and PUBH714 Public Policy and Health Systems. Her career prior to the university included extensive experience at Christchurch Women’s Hospital in oncology, haemophilia, gastroenterology, general medicine, and women’s health. From 2015 to 2022, she was Gynaecology Nurse Educator, providing education and training to nurses and aides in the gynaecology ward, assessment unit, colposcopy, and hysteroscopy. Bell is a co-author on recent publications including Te Whaiti et al. (2025) 'Mana motuhake - I am in charge and have control over my body' in Journal of Racial & Ethnic Health Disparities; McBain et al. (2025) on HPV self-testing experiences in SAPC Proceedings; Rose et al. (2025) on HPV screening experiences in Journal of Primary Health Care; Sykes et al. (2025) on HPV screening outcomes in BJOG; and Rose et al. (2025) on HPV result perspectives in Australian & New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. Her efforts support improved cervical screening practices.