Dr. Debra L. Schell

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Get to know Reproductive Endocrinologist & Infertility Specialist Dr. Debra Schell, who serves patients in Chicago, Illinois.

Dr. Schell is a reputable reproductive endocrinologist & infertility specialist in practice with Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago. 

She has special interests in diagnosing and treating hormone dysfunction conditions including endometriosis, thyroid problems, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and complex pituitary and adrenal issues. She also has extensive experience in laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis and pelvic pain issues and recently added robotic training to her skills to provide the best surgical options for her patients.

Her practice philosophy is rooted in an approach to compassionate care that provides each patient with a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan based on their specific needs. This approach falls in line with the mission and promise that the Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago provides to each patient.

“My goal with each new patient that I have the privilege of working with is to provide them with the best care possible no matter what the problem turns out to be that is causing their infertility issues.  I am very aware of how scary and anxiety provoking the “treatment road” can be and my desire is to ease that burden by being available to my patients by phone, texts, or emails to answer questions no matter how small, and by providing treatment options that fit their wishes, ethics and pocketbook; while offering them the most up to date advances in the field of REI. I will always be optimistic for success with whatever is tried but also upfront about the highest success options available, intensity to expect and any risks involved. The most rewarding and most fun part of my job is making that call with the first positive pregnancy test and experiencing the excitement of the first ultrasound with the ability to see the baby and a normal heartbeat. I thank God daily that I am able to have a small part in the miracle of a new life” stated Dr. Schell.

Licensed to practice medicine in Illinois, Wisconsin, Virginia, Indiana, Ohio, and California, she is affiliated with Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, Ascension St. Francis Hospital, Milwaukee OB-GYN, Aurora West Allis Medical Center, Aurora Sheboygan Memorial Medical Center, and Froedtert West Bend Hospital.

Throughout her academic career, Dr. Schell graduated summa cum laude from Andrews University in 1981. She started her career in medicine by earning her medical degree from the Loma Linda University School of Medicine in 1985. She then went on to complete her residency in obstetrics & gynecology at Wayne State University in 1990, and her fellowship in infertility at the University of Illinois / Michael Reese Hospital in 1993.

A Fellow of the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the doctor is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology & reproductive endocrinology and infertility by the American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology (ABOG). The mission of the ABOG is to define specialty standards, certify obstetricians and gynecologists, and facilitate continuous learning to advance knowledge, practice, and professionalism in women’s health.

Reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI) is a surgical subspecialty of obstetrics and gynecology that trains physicians in reproductive medicine addressing hormonal functioning as it pertains to the reproduction, as well as the issue of infertility. While most REI specialists primarily focus on the treatment of infertility, reproductive endocrinologists are trained to also evaluate and treat hormonal dysfunctions in females and males outside after the reproductive years.

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