Celebrating Female Pioneers in IVF – Dr. Linda Nelson, M.D., Ph.D., REI, OB-GYN

With a career spanning over a decade in the Phoenix area, Dr. Linda Nelson is a foundational pillar of excellence and inspiration in the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Dr. Nelson has earned her spot in our series of Celebrating Female Pioneers in IVF. As a double board-certified specialist, Dr. Nelson has dedicated her life to advancing fertility science all while  mentoring the next generation of medical professionals. Heavily recognized for her outstanding contributions, Dr. Nelson has been repeatedly named Castle Connolly “Regional Top Doctor” and as one of “Scottsdale’s Top Doctors.”

 

Pioneering the Path to Parenthood

As a Medical Director for The World Egg and Sperm Bank, Dr. Nelson is at the forefront of helping individuals and couples overcome infertility challenges. Her personal journey through infertility, leading to the adoption of her two children, fuels her passion for supporting others in their quest to build families. She finds immense gratification in seeing the joy of parents around the world who have successfully conceived through the assistance of egg and sperm donors.

 

An Academic Trailblazer

Dr. Nelson’s academic journey is as remarkable as her clinical career. She earned a Ph.D. in physiological psychology from UCLA, where her research on prenatal stressors and fetal alcohol syndrome laid the groundwork for her future endeavors. She accelerated through an MD program at the University of Miami School of Medicine, followed by a residency at UCLA in Ob/Gyn, and a fellowship at UCSF. Her seminal research during her fellowship contributed to the development of GnRH Antagonists, a critical advancement in IVF protocols.

 

Educator and Mentor

Dr. Nelson’s passion for education is evident in her numerous faculty appointments. She began her academic career at the University of Illinois School of Medicine, where she was instrumental in starting the first in-house IVF program. She later joined the University of Kansas Medical Center, where she served as REI Section Head and IVF Program Director, mentoring numerous residents and medical students. At the University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Dr. Nelson directs a comprehensive second-year curriculum course and is deeply involved in resident training and faculty development.

 

Awards and Recognition

Throughout her illustrious career, Dr. Nelson has received numerous awards, including:

• Parke Davis Scholar, Association of Professors of Gynecology and Obstetrics (APGO)
• Nettie C. Karpin Award, The Endocrine Society and Serono Symposia
• Sandoz Award for Academic and Clinical Excellence, University of Miami School of Medicine
• Graduate Woman of the Year, UCLA Association of Academic Women
• Judith G. Pool Memorial Award, National Association for Women in Science

Dr. Nelsons dedication to medical education has been recognized with several teaching awards. This includes the National Faculty Award for Excellence in Residency Education by ACOG and CREOG.

 

Leadership and Service

Beyond her clinical and academic roles, Dr. Nelson is committed to professional service. She has contributed to the patient and resident education committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM). Dr. Nelson also serves as an ad-hoc reviewer for prominent scientific journals. Her leadership extends to mentoring junior faculty and serving on national committees. This includes the AAMC National Committee on Disorders of Sexual Development.

 

A Personal Touch

In her free time, Dr. Nelson enjoys outdoor activities such as biking, swimming, hiking, and skiing. She cherishes traveling with her two children and finds balance in her life through these personal pursuits.

 

Celebrating Female Pioneers in IVF

Dr. Linda Nelson’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to the field of reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Her pioneering spirit, combined with her passion for education and mentorship, has made her a true trailblazer in IVF. Celebrating her achievements honors not only her contributions but also the many lives she has touched through her work earning her spot in our Celebrated Female Pioneers in IVF.

 

 

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For more information regarding how to find an egg donor, please reach out to our team. Start your remarkable journey to parenthood with The World Egg and Sperm Bank toward today! Interested in becoming a future parent, then browse our egg donor or sperm donor list today!

 

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