Deborah E. Ikhena-Abel, MD MSCI
Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility Physician
Education
B.Sc., Creighton University
Omaha, NE, USA, Cum Laude
M.D., Dartmouth Medical School,
Hanover, NH, USA
Master of Science in Clinical Investigation
Northwestern University, Chicago, IL USA
Certifications & Licensure
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), Board certified in General Obstetrics and Gynecology
- American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG), Board certified in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility
State of California. A 150458
State of Texas. S9711
Years of Experience
Over 13 years
Biography
Dr. Deborah E. Ikhena-Abel, MD, MSCI, is a double board-certified physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, currently practicing at Aspire Fertility in Austin, Texas. She earned her medical degree from the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and pursued a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.
Dr. Ikhena-Abel specializes in a comprehensive range of women’s health conditions, including infertility, fertility preservation, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), uterine fibroids, recurrent pregnancy loss, endometriosis, and menstrual irregularities . She is deeply committed to destigmatizing infertility and pregnancy loss, providing holistic, evidence-based care that addresses both medical and emotional aspects of reproductive health.
Beyond her clinical practice, Dr. Ikhena-Abel contributes to the medical community as a reviewer for esteemed journals such as Fertility and Sterility and the Journal of Assisted Reproduction and Genetics. She also serves as an abstract reviewer for the American Society of Reproductive Medicine.
Awards, Honors & Recognitions
- Best New Investigator Poster Award, Annual Scientific Meeting for the Society for Reproductive Investigation, Orlando, FL
- Award for Excellence in Women’s Health Research, Basic Science at the 13th annual Lewis Landsberg Research Day at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL
- Faculty Reach Out Program Award, Washington University School of Medicine, St
- Winner 1st prize Oral Presentation, annual meeting of the Massachusetts Section of the American Congress of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Waltham, MA
- Golden Apple award for outstanding and dedicated teaching of medical students, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA
- Outstanding dedication and support of our youth, The Greater Framingham Community Church Board of Youth
Professional Memberships
- Fellow of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology
- American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists
- Massachusetts Medical Society
- American Medical Association
- Physicians for Human Rights
featured Articles
The Real Cost of Fertility Preservation for Breast Cancer Patients and the Programs That Can Help
Let’s talk about something that doesn’t get said clearly enough: fertility preservation is expensive. And for a woman who has just been handed a breast cancer diagnosis
Oncofertility and Young Breast Cancer Patients: Why This Conversation Needs to Happen at Diagnosis Not After
If you are a young woman who has just been diagnosed with breast cancer, there is a conversation that needs to happen right now
Can I Still Have a Baby One Day? Fertility and Pregnancy After Breast Cancer Treatment
An Instrumental Voice for Learn Look Locate
Overcoming Challenges in Breast Cancer Treatment
At Learn Look Locate, we are honored to welcome Dr. Staci Tanouye as a medical advisor. Her mission to educate with empathy perfectly aligns with our global goal of connecting survivors, providers, and newly diagnosed individuals with medically vetted, emotionally supportive resources.
Dr. Tanouye’s ability to reach women across generations—especially younger audiences navigating reproductive health, diagnosis, and survivorship—makes her an instrumental addition to our movement. Her presence strengthens our educational initiatives around early detection, sexual side effects, body image, menopause, and survivorship.
Whether she’s speaking to thousands at national conferences, consulting on digital campaigns, or having real, unfiltered conversations with patients online, Dr. Tanouye brings a unique blend of medical expertise, relatability, and compassion to everything she does. She helps ensure that the educational content at Learn Look Locate remains not only accurate and current, but also inclusive and approachable.
Together, we’re breaking silence, building understanding, and uniting voices—one story, one survivor, and one expert at a time.
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