Session 136: Data Driven
3pm ET/ 8pm UK/ 9pm CET, Tuesday 2nd July, 2024.
Synopsis:
The webinar ( 105 mins) focused on leveraging data in IVF laboratories to enhance efficiency and success rates. It explored the integration of AI in the workplace, advanced ways for managing frozen gametes and embryos, and strategies to harmonize these elements for optimal lab performance and improved IVF outcomes. Moderators were leading experts in the field of medical assisted reproduction, including Dr. Amber Cooper, clinical embryology expert Andrew Thomson, and research specialist Radhika Kakulavarapu.
The presenters included Dr. Alejandro Chavez Badiola, who discussed the consequences of AI; John Whitney, who spoke about using data to facilitate compliance in cryostorage; and Dr. Christine Allen, who explained the fusion of technologies for streamlined laboratories. The session concluded with an interactive Q&A segment with the audience.
Moderators:
Andrew Thomson, Dr. Amber Cooper, and Radhika Kakulavarapu
Presenters:
Dr. Alejandro Chavez Badiola “AI consequences”
Kindly sponsored by IVF 2.0
John Whitney " Using data to facilitate compliance in Cryostorage”
Kindly sponsored by CooperSurgical
Dr. Christine Allen "Overcoming the Tower of Babel: Fusion of technologies for streamlined laboratories"
Kindly sponsored by Reproductive Laboratory Services
Q and A
Dr. Amber Cooper,
Dr. Amber Cooper is double board certified in OB/GYN and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility. She is Chief Medical Officer of Genomics and Laboratory Science with Kindbody where she also serves as Medical and IVF Practice Director. She is Associate Professor with Wayne State University School of Medicine as well as Adjunct Assistant Professor at St. Louis University School of Medicine.
She received a medical degree from Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. She also holds a Master of Science in Clinical Investigation.
She has been actively involved in the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and has served on the Board of Directors of the Society of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility in the US. She is President of the Midwest Reproductive Symposium International.
Her clinical interests surround ovarian aging, genetics, fertility preservation in cancer, autoimmune and genetic conditions, access to care, and diminished ovarian reserve/primary ovarian insufficiency (POI).
Andrew Thomson
Andrew is a highly experienced multi-site IVF Laboratory Director and HFEA Person Responsible at Avenues Centre for Reproductive Health, the first clinic in the world to use a fully end-to-end AI-driven digital infrastructure that captures the most comprehensive fertility journey dataset.
He has adopted a quality management heavy, evidence-based approach to ART and is passionate about patient access to care. He has presented his research both nationally and internationally on multiple occasions and is a frequently invited speaker on a wide variety of topics across the IVF and AI spectrum. He was just the third person to be awarded Fellowship of the Royal College of Pathologists (FRCPath) and Fellowship of the Academy for Healthcare Science (FAHCS) and is currently studying for his PhD at UCL.
He is actively involved in training reproductive scientists to the highest standards and was awarded associate status of the National School of Healthcare Science due to his contributions as a training officer as well as accrediting multiple laboratories to be approved training centres.
He was awarded the Claire Gillott prize by the Association of Reproductive and Clinical Scientists for outstanding contribution in 2020.
Radhika Kakulavarapu
Radhika is currently pursuing her PhD alongside clinical work, in Oslo, Norway. Her main areas of interest are compaction irregularities, the morula stage embryo and the intersection between artificial intelligence and fertility.
Following the completion of her education at Monash University, Radhika experienced the vast and varying roles of a clinical embryologist from Japan, to the Philippines, and currently Norway, where she works as an embryologist. Radhika is also pursuing her PhD at Oslo Metropolitan University, researching cell exclusions, morphological assessments, and the utility of explainable artificial intelligence within reproductive science.
Dr. Alejandro Chavez Badiola
Since 2018, Founder and Scientific Director at IVF 2.0 UK LTD, a biotech company, committed to the advancement of reproductive medicine.
Founder and Chief Medical Officer at the New Hope Fertility Mexico since 2009
Appointed as Professor and Research Coordinator, Clinical Sciences Division, Health Sciences, Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico (2007)
Training in Reproductive Medicine at the Hewitt Centre for Reproductive Medicine, Liverpool Women’s Hospital (2005-2007)
Entered in the British General Medical Council (GMC) Registry in 2005
Received the Highly Skilled Specialist Sponsorship by The British Council (2004)
Training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at Hospital Civil, Guadalajara. Appointed as Chief Resident in Obstetrics and Gynaecology twice in this period (2000-2004)
Graduated with Honours from Medical School at Universidad de Guadalajara, Mexico (1998).
John Whitney
A skilled program and product developer with more than a decade of hands-on IVF lab experience, John Whitney has spent his career expanding his expertise in the science and management of all aspects of fertility care. Having held leadership roles in both IVF and genetics laboratories, as well as in egg donation and cryopreservation services, John began his career in fertility care as an embryologist, spending more than a decade working in an IVF laboratory. John successfully managed multiple business units ranging from cryo-storage to surrogacy. John now works for CooperSurgical as the Global Head of Cryo & Digital Services.
John has presented at multiple worldwide scientific events, including the ASRM, ESHRE PGDIS and UEARS. John graduated from California Polytechnic University San Luis Obispo, where he studied animal science and applied biotechnology.
Dr. Christine Allen
Dr. Allen has exemplary diligence, expertise in her field, commitment to pursuit of excellence in patient outcomes, and a fervent focus on advancing reproductive medicine through research studies. With these impressive characteristics, Dr. Allen provides laudable leadership by demonstrating her values of respect, integrity, self-awareness, and empathy. Her goals are achieved by fostering an environment of teamwork, trust, and accountability. As a mentor, she has designed a horizontal hierarchy whereby all staff are encouraged and confident to contribute to problem solving and continual improvement. Dr. Allen engages her team by offering respect, appreciation, inspiration, support, and empowerment. Her leadership approach allows for camaraderie, optimal productivity, and high achievement.
Her talk is sponsored by Reproductive Laboratory Specialists.
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