About
Erlaine F. Bello, MD, MS, FACP brings a rare combination of primary care depth and infectious disease specialization to her Honolulu practice. She earned her undergraduate degree cum laude from Occidental College, where she studied Religious Studies and Biochemistry with honors. She then completed her medical degree at the John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii in 1981.
Dr. Bello completed her internal medicine residency through the University of Hawaii Integrated Medical Residency Program and went on to earn her fellowship in Infectious Diseases at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California. She holds board certifications from both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Infectious Disease. In 2014, she added a Master of Science in Clinical Research from John A. Burns School of Medicine. She has served as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Hawaii since 1998 and as Associate Professor of Medicine since 2004. She also chairs the Infection Control Committee at The Queen's Medical Center. Castle Connolly has recognized her as a Top Doctor every year from 2015 through 2024 and as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine from 2019 through 2024. The American College of Physicians Hawaii Chapter named her Women's Physician of the Year in 2021. Honolulu Magazine has listed her among Hawaii's Top Docs in Infectious Diseases every year since 1998. Outside of medicine, Dr. Bello enjoys gardening, scrapbooking, her book club, and baking.
Education & Training
Undergraduate
Occidental College, Bachelor of Arts, Religious Studies and Biochemistry, Cum Laude with Honors in Biochemistry, 1977
Medical School
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Doctorate of Medicine 1981
Residency
Internal Medicine, University of Hawaii Integrated Medical Residency Program, Primary Care Track, 1982-1984
Fellowship
Infectious Diseases, Harbor - University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, Torrance, CA, 1985-1987
Additional Training
Master of Science, Clinical Research, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, 2014
Certifications
Conditions Treated
Who is Dr. Bello right for?
Dr. Bello suits adults who want a primary care physician with deep infectious disease expertise woven into everyday care. Patients managing chronic conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, or hypertension benefit from her proactive, prevention-centered approach. Frequent international travelers gain from her travel health counseling and immunization services. Patients who value a physician who follows their care through hospitalizations at The Queen's Medical Center will find her model particularly reassuring.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Dr. Bello focuses on internal medicine and infectious diseases. She manages chronic conditions including type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, and hypertension. Her infectious disease sub-specialty allows her to integrate that expertise directly into primary care, which benefits patients dealing with complex or recurrent infections.
Yes. Dr. Bello holds board certifications from both the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Infectious Disease. She also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Research from John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii.
Dr. Bello completed her medical degree at John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii in 1981. She trained in internal medicine through the University of Hawaii Integrated Medical Residency Program and completed her infectious disease fellowship at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, California.
Yes. Dr. Bello serves as an attending physician at The Queen's Medical Center. She personally oversees the care of her patients during hospital admissions rather than transferring their care to a hospitalist.
Yes. Dr. Bello provides travel health counseling and administers immunizations for patients planning international or domestic travel. This service integrates naturally with her infectious disease background.
Dr. Bello serves as Chief of the Division of Infectious Diseases at the University of Hawaii and as Associate Professor of Medicine at John A. Burns School of Medicine. She also serves as Associate Program Director for the University of Hawaii Integrated Medical Residency Program.
Castle Connolly named Dr. Bello a Top Doctor every year from 2015 through 2024 and recognized her as an Exceptional Woman in Medicine from 2019 through 2024. The American College of Physicians Hawaii Chapter awarded her Women's Physician of the Year in 2021. Honolulu Magazine has listed her among Hawaii's Top Docs in Infectious Diseases every year since 1998.
Dr. Bello pursues a triple aim for every patient: longevity balanced with high functionality and contentment. She emphasizes identifying individual chronic disease risk early and helping patients navigate complex health decisions. She views herself as a long-term partner in each patient's health, not just a provider for acute concerns.
Doctor profile last updated April 2, 2026