Imo J. Akpan, M.D. graduated from Swarthmore College with a B.A. in Chemistry. Prior to enrolling in medical school she was involved in iron biology research at the Children's Hospital Boston where she helped to describe a mouse-model for anemia of inflammation by studying the role of hepcidin in iron homeostasis. Dr. Akpan received her medical degree from The University of Illinois (UIC) at Chicago College of Medicine and received "The Michael and Kate Bárány Research Award" for research supported by the American Society of Hematology and the UIC Craig Research Award. Dr. Akpan then enrolled in the Physician-Scientist Training Program at Northwestern University/McGaw Medical Center, Chicago, Illinois where she did her residency in internal medicine and her fellowship in Hematology/Oncology. Subsequently, she did an Advanced Hematology/Oncology Research fellowship as a K12 Physician Scientist Scholar at The University of Chicago Medical Center where she also worked as a Clinical Instructor.

Dr. Akpan's clinical and research expertise spans several blood disorders, including anemia (any type of anemia in addition to auto immune hemolytic anemia), iron disorders (high iron levels and iron deficiency), sickle cell disease, thalassemia, PNH, platelet disorders including ITP, high hemoglobin, high platelet, white blood cell disorders and, bleeding and clotting disorders including Anti phospholipid antibody syndrome.

Dr. Akpan provides consultation for patients with complex bleeding or clotting issues undergoing surgeries and blood disorders in patients with a history of bariatric surgery. She works closely with her pregnant patients and works closely with obstetricians and other members of the inter-disciplinary team. Dr. Akpan co-leads the Women's clinic for blood disorders at NewYork-Presbyterian/Columbia University Irving Medical Center, a dedicated clinic for women experiencing blood disorders including heavy menstrual bleeding, thrombocytopenia in pregnancy, anemia in pregnancy, blood clots and anticoagulation management during pregnancy, among others.

Dr. Akpan is a member of the American Society of Hematology, the Hemostasis and Thrombosis Research Society, and the International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis. She has authored numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals, and has spoken at clinical and research conferences across the country. Dr. Akpan is an avid runner and was inducted into the Swarthmore College Garnet Athletics Hall of Fame for Track and Field in 2013.