International IVF Initiative Podcast

The International IVF Initiative
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The International IVF initiative is a worldwide non-profit education project for the Assisted Reproductive Technologies community, sharing scientific and practical and knowledge for Embryologists, Reproductive Scientists, and anyone working in the ART community. Each episode will be sharing insights into the world of IVF, along with profiles of legends within the world of ART, the latest news and wisdom from our community.

  1. 02/03/2023

    Beyond the Webinar - Embryo Biopsy - Level Up

    Welcome to another Beyond the Webinar episode of the I3 Podcast, where we're joining the after party which followed the Embryo Biopsy webinar which you can view in full here. Nearly 1k people joined the webinar which focused on the practice of blastocyst biopsy with experienced biopsy practitioners. It was a fascinating conversation highlighting the practicalities when performing this delicate technique in the routine IVF lab, giving valuable advice on the methods, troubleshooting and tips. In this episode you will join the moderators Thomas Elliott and Dr. Tony Anderson along with speakers Debbie Venier, Dr. Charlene Alouf and Dr. Bec Holmes and members of the I3 team all discussing how it went  What was discussed: Re-biopsy something every embryologist possibly has questions on - challenges around rebiopsing TBR’s - when the embryo doesn’t seem worth itWhen TBR’s are planned according to when the lab has time  The impact on a lab that is short staffed. Cost implications Data available on rebiopsy age vs aneuploidy/ euploidGrading Read rates - spectrum and how labs vary 40% of embryos tested have aneupoliody and the impact this has on implantation Should these test be done on all patients?The impact on Day 5 or Day 6 biopsy and implantation rates Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  Instagram You Tube

    27 min

  2. 12/05/2022

    IoT, Quality and Gen Z

    Welcome to another episode of the I3 podcast, where once again we go Beyond the Webinar to hear the discussions that followed two sessions recently shared with the I3 community.  First up you will hear the panel's thoughts after the session called Quality Inside - discussing quality measures that are evident in IVF clinics across the globe and best practise- highlighting new technologies to help embryologists to obtain a robust quality control (QC) system for lab equipment and environment. Speakers included: Dr. Jean Popwell, Cassie Miller, Dr Mina Alikani, Dr Thomas B. (Rusty) Pool, Dr Gerardo Mendizaba Ruiz, Dr Michael Skumial and Dr. Alison Campbell and Ineabelle Collazo Then you will hear the comments following the session titled ‘Mind the [generation] gap’ which focussed on showcasing the new demographic entering the ART workforce, the digital native, Gen Z and looked at how with an ageing workforce what will attract new talent to the profession and how best do labs work with different generations having different knowledge in terms of systems and process.  Quality Control in the Cloud  Watch the full session here  What was discussed:  Cyber Security issuesThe impact that has in the lab & How labs can overcome the risks - guy around 7 min  Security within labs can be restrictive  - separate platforms have to be used for software that is being implemented. How you have to think about every way software is implemented - Hacking can happen through Ultrasound machinesWhat could happen if QC data is connected to patient success - how Dr Google could act against the lab with a patient seeing data and thinking something wasn’t done correctly? You can anonymise systemsShould data from an embryoscope be part of the medical record? Extra info that is discoverable could be misinterpreted. How sometimes too much information can be detrimental.Considerations about choosing a product that is customizable, so not everything goes to the EMR.  Now we’re going to hear the panelists from the Mind the ‘Generation’ Gap which was hosted by Veteran senior embryologist, lab manager and mentor, Dr Kimball Pomeroy and former embryologist and current educator Huey Huynh, Panelists Savannah Palmer, Toyin Ojo and Angela Regan and Presenters: Fran Farlie Radhika Kakula-vara-pu and Chloe He Watch the full session here  Discussion about obstacles affecting the LGBTQ+ community Questions were raised about climate emissions from IVF and the importance of labs being sustainable. Explanation of ‘Population Matters’ - Lobby group who are targeting students at Universities to think about their decision to have a family. Discussions about population size issues - the world population is 8bn people, double since 1974. The rate we’re expanding is significant. Discussion of how AI can help with more insight into Embryos The difference in software usage amongst generations - gaps in knowledge Importance of efficient databases/systems to ensure ‘user experience’ works for everyone, cross-generation. Issues around finding new embryologists around the world - retractions on people practicing in different countries.Better funding for pipeline of talent in the UKImportance of awareness raising of what Embryology actually is - to attract more talentLack of societal...

    48 min

  3. 10/25/2022

    Best Practices in Cryostorage

    Welcome to another Beyond the Webinar episode, following the I3 session discussing Best Practices in Cryogovernance. The panel discussed how they are dealing with issues concerning the problems faced by clinics around the world with the increasing rising inventory of frozen specimens after IVF. The session was moderated by Senior Embryologist Dr. Mina Alikani, President of Alpha Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and British patient advocate and podcast host of The Fertility Podcast Natalie Silverman who was joined by an experienced panel consisting of a senior embryologist from Europe, Christianna Makri, lab managers from two large UK clinics Charissa Watchorn and Anastasia Mania and the vice president of clinical strategy of the TMRW group, embryologist Cynthia Hudson.  The speakers were Dr. Michael Collins, Glenn Proctor, Dr. Steven Katz and Robert Perkinson.  We'd like to give a huge thank you to our session sponsor TMRW Life Sciences and you can watch the full session here  What was discussed:  Different regulations around the world  - what they mean Common worry globally worry about cryostorage amongst embryologistsHow bio-repositories in the UK are on standby for smaller clinics or partner clinics locally which have reciprocal agreements What is going into cryostorage, it’s not just embryos it’s also eggs, so a 20yr old might not want them for a decade. How patients are encouraged to discard or donate material because they don’t want to pay, but if there are no storage fees they might just forget about themHow the industry needs to think about better communication, so the clinic is clear to patients about the process - roles and responsibilities. Guidelines with the paperwork about - being able to contact patients etc to help with the issue of orphaned embryos. Better engagement is needed with the patient to give them the perceived value of what they have in storage What protections are in place in the US and the issues that the industry facesLanguage used such as 'discarding' embryos creates issues for patients as it can be triggering and how patients can bury their heads in the sand when not knowing what to do with their frozen gametes. Could there be a monthly fee, rather than the yearly storage fee?Coverage that clinics have for the storage and the attention that is paid to the tanksWhat can go wrong with Dewers - how problems are managed, how they are monitored.Warranty on DewersExplanation of how TMRW storage process works  - it’s a specimen management software tool Follow us on our socials: Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  Instagram You Tube

    42 min

  4. 10/17/2022

    CRYOGOVERNANCE V - BEST PRACTICES IN CRYOTRANSPORTATION

    Welcome to another Beyond the Webinar episode of I3, where we bring you the conversation from after one of our sessions. This was a webinar looking at worldwide practices of transporting gametes and embryos, the new technological advances to keep samples safe, and the standards and regulations that should be applied. This session was kindly sponsored by Cryoport.  The panel included moderators Giles Palmer and Jessica Bailey, panelists Victoria A. Wells, John Condon and Dr Simon Cooke and Presenters, Dr Kristen Ivani  who gave the embryologist's point of view, Deborah Mecerod who spoke about the demands of an egg bank, Bret Bollinger who explained the role of technology in IVF shipping and Dr Mark Sawicki talking about the future of cryo-transportation   You can view the whole session here  What was discussed:  Is the UK being ‘blissfully’ unaware of this situation compared to the US? However, can it be compared considering the UK experience being on a smaller scaleLack of consistency in the notification from US centres that items have been delivered.Question about tank failure or tank being revalidated. Tracking failure rate of shippers eg. based on structural failure Critical checklist for the shipment process How we don’t know what X-Rays in airports could do to samplesThere are times when it is Xrays as people aren’t paying attention to the request not to Austria - open and Xray everything so some shippers try to avoid going through thereAustralia and New Zealand - bulletin on technical standards for shipping Audits on the servicesPreviously patients could take their own samples (which can still happen in the US) and they have to sign a waiver Follow us on our socials: Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  Instagram You Tube

    24 min

  5. 09/30/2022

    Return to Cairo

    Welcome to another Beyond the Webinar episode from I3, following on from a recent webinar session of the same name called Return to Cairo which you can view here It brought together leading clinical embryologists, chemical engineers and professionals from the laboratory construction sector discussed the requirements of a modern laboratory performing IVF and ART. The prime focus of the session was on reviewing one of the most important, published paper reporting the outcomes from an international expert meeting on the recommended technical and operational requirements within modern assisted reproduction technology (ART) laboratories. The Cairo Consensus: DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2018.02.005. The session was sponsored by LifeAire In this episode, you'll hear the conversation that took place after the webinar with guest speakers: Dr. Sangita Jindal, Dr. Cihan Halicigil, Manar Hozyen, Dr. Chelsey Leisinger, Kevin D. Bomboy and Dr. Lars Johansson, Dr. Jacques Cohen and Dr. Katy Worrilow, Discussion about how impactful it was to see videos of other labs etc in EstoniaQuestions from the session were further discussed about VOC’sSmells people can smell in the lab eg. pine cones Do light bulbs release VOC’s? Issues around improper air ventilation Use of Computational Fluid dynamics (CFD) to solve these issues How VOC’s in plastics are dealt with Importance of negative pressure for off gasing plasticwear How negative suction is cost effective in planning Optimal temperature range within labs Follow us on our socials: Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  Instagram You Tube

    15 min

  6. 08/19/2022

    Prisoner

    Welcome to the latest episode of the I3 podcast where we are sharing the Beyond the Webinar discussion following our webinar discussion on whether people in person should be entitled to fertility treatment and fertility preservation. Should prisoners retain the right to a private or family life? Should restriction to procreation form part of their sentence? It was a fascinating conversation and do make sure you watch the main session which you can view here  What was discussed:  Smuggling Sperm People incarcerated with frozen eggs outside - what happens with consent? Can they have a surrogate? Can a man with frozen sperm who is incarcerated and his wife start fertility treatment? can it happen, if the clinic gets consent? How consent happens - in person or virtuallyKits available today have made it easier for young men to freeze their spermRisk of infection if a man was to try and collect his own semen in a prison environmentHow ART has made it possible for so many different scenariosData says that there is less reoffending when you are given congenital visits. Genetic assessment of criminality.Clinics declining or postponing consent‘Meaningful productive parental relationship’The welfare of the child considerationsImpact on a child or a prisonerHealthcare access in prison- where does ART fit?The overturning of Roe v Wade and its implications Follow us on our socials: Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  Instagram You Tube

    20 min

  7. 08/05/2022

    Protect IVF

    A special podcast about the overturning in the US of Roe v Wade and its global implications.   A joint venture with the International IVF Initiative (I3) and Doctors for Fertility- a group of reproductive endocrinology and infertility doctors with a mission to educate and inform policy on reproductive rights and to advocate and take political action for continued access to fertility treatment and preservation.     Almost half a century ago, the Roe v. Wade ruling was the basis for establishing a constitutional right to abortion. The recent decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization demonstrates the increasingly conservative direction of the court in the US and prompts questions about the implications for civil rights, embryo rights, and health policy.   What does this mean for IVF? It has raised fears that it could have "far-reaching ramifications" on people looking to get pregnant and the clinics providing services to help them. Will embryos created, frozen, used in fertility treatment, PGT, or discarded have rights? Will "trigger laws"  go into effect that recognizes an embryo as a person?     This closed zoom meeting with open dialogue involving a select panel of experts will offer content to help all that are impacted by this ruling.   With examples of restrictive policies in the past and a call for action for all stakeholders, this podcast should support everyone that needs help and will offer advice to organize individuals and communities to fight restrictive IVF legislation in vulnerable States.   Participants: Serena H Chen MD Giles Palmer David Sable MD Davina (Rudnick) Fankhauser Dr. Vivienne Hall   Salu Ribeiro Lucky Sekhon MD Lowell Ku MD Colleen Quinn Stephanie Gustin MD  Declan Keane   Jacques Cohen PhD Lea Wilcox Cynthia Hudson Thomas Elliott Mary Ann Szvetecz Brad Zavy   see also: Doctors for Fertility Fertility within Reach Bill relating to clinical laboratories A New Challenge for Fertility Patients? Modeling IVF Access Post Repeal of Roe v. Wade Hippocratic Oath The Solemn Truth About Medical Oaths       Follow us on our socials: Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  a...

    1h 35m

  8. 08/01/2022

    Recruitment, Training, Talent Management, and Succession Planning

    Welcome to the latest behind-the-scenes podcast from I3, which took place after two Legacy sessions, discussing the need for embryologists globally and the changing challenges and demands of the embryologists, the demographics of the people working in an IVF laboratory, and ways to retain, train and recruit embryologists into the workforce as more of the veteran embryologist retire. Speakers during the sessions included:  Giles Palmer, Bill Venier, Andrew Thomson, and Dr. Gloria Calderon, Eva Schenkman, TJ Farnworth, Andrew Thomson, Dr. Alison Campbell, Dr. Tony Anderson:  The second part of the webinar which is also discussed in an after party here - continues on with this topic and Giles Palmer is joined by Keshav Malhotra, Dr. Tony Anderson and Eva Schenkman, Elina Roumian, and Dani Smale, Debbie Venier and Dr. Joe Conaghan.    What was discussed:  Talking about filling spaces Why does someone leave suddenly? If that happens you need to figure out why as any good team member will give notice eg. 1 year Team having an exit strategy  - post-pandemic How busy are the training centres - currently booked out until June 2023How the training has been reinvented with 2-3 month courses and how beneficial they are, delivering programmes in a condensed fashion enabling junior trainees to get more experience People who come off the courses are hot commodities - end up being part of a bidding war as candidates have several offersSalaries that are 30/40/50% than 12 months ago People aren’t let go - until they are comfortable with procedures such as ICSI which is different from older courses where you only got a few hours of hands-on experience Helping to teach in a custom way to a network’s protocols  - signing NDA’s. There is a reluctance from clinics to not have the teacher’s methods taught - instead, the clinic needs to trust Consultant trainers- go into clinics to train someone who can’t travel SESSION 2:  IVF Olympics - challenges for senior embryologists that trainees do but with opposite hand People approaching embryologists to be mentors on Linked InEncouraging students to use social media such as Linked In to help them find work and build connections Mentors and building your network which is so important as at some point in your career you will come across a problem where you need to call someone outside your network to solve itGet involved with associations and communities To talk to new people when you go to meetings, find people in the same boat as you to support youAre Embryologists introverted people?Importance of putting yourself out of your comfort zone to talk to other people.     Legacy Session 1  Legacy Session 2  Make sure you keep an eye on the upcoming events at IVFMeeting.com for the follow-up to this conversation Follow us on our socials:  Twitter Facebook  a href="https://www.instagram.com/international_ivf_initiative/" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    28 min
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About

The International IVF initiative is a worldwide non-profit education project for the Assisted Reproductive Technologies community, sharing scientific and practical and knowledge for Embryologists, Reproductive Scientists, and anyone working in the ART community. Each episode will be sharing insights into the world of IVF, along with profiles of legends within the world of ART, the latest news and wisdom from our community.

Information

  • Creator
    The International IVF Initiative
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2023
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2023 The International IVF Initiative
  • Show Website
    International IVF Initiative Podcast