Session 137: The Grey Zone
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Session 137: The Grey Zone
3pm ET/ 8pm UK/ 9pm CET, Tuesday 23rd July, 2024.
Synopsis:
The webinar titled "The Grey Zone" was a comprehensive event aimed at professionals in the assisted reproduction field. The session brought together a team of renowned experts to focus on the often-overlooked aspects of early embryo morphology. This detailed review provided an in-depth, high-level examination of what are considered the basics in the context of early embryo development. The moderators for the event included esteemed embryologists and industry leaders such as Dr. Dara Berger, Dr. Dean E. Morbeck, and Dr. Christian S. Ottolini.
The webinar aimed to revisit morphological aspects that may be neglected due to the increasing emphasis on time-lapse monitoring and the blastocyst stage. The presenters, who are key opinion leaders in embryology and development, shared their insights and findings with the audience. Dr. Giovanni Coticchio led the session with his presentation titled "Reassessing Morphological Patterns at Fertilization," where he explored the initial stages of embryo development and the critical patterns that emerge during fertilization.
Following Dr. Coticchio, Dr. George Liperis presented "Day 3 Embryos: Halfway There or More?" He delved into the development and characteristics of embryos on day three, highlighting the significance of this stage and the potential outcomes for further development. Dr. Liperis's talk emphasized the importance of understanding the midway point in embryo development and the implications for successful assisted reproduction.
Dr. Robin Skory, a gynecologist and reproductive biologist, presented "What Makes a Morula?" offering an in-depth analysis of the morula stage of embryo development. Dr. Skory discussed the factors that contribute to the formation of a morula and its role in the progression to the blastocyst stage. His presentation underscored the complexities and nuances of this critical stage in early embryo development.
The webinar concluded with a Q&A session, where the audience had the opportunity to engage with the presenters and moderators. This interactive segment allowed participants to seek clarification on various topics, discuss their own experiences, and gain further insights into early embryo morphology.
Overall, "The Grey Zone" webinar successfully highlighted the hidden aspects of early embryo development, emphasizing the importance of revisiting and reassessing morphological patterns that may be overlooked in contemporary practices. The event provided valuable knowledge and fostered a deeper understanding of early embryo morphology among professionals in the assisted reproduction arena.
Moderators:
Dr. Dara Berger, Dr. Dean E. Morbeck and Dr. Christian S. Ottolini
Presenters:
Dr. Giovanni Coticchio “Reassessing morphological patterns at fertilization”
Dr. George Liperis “Day 3 embryos. Halfway there or more?”
Dr. Robin Skory ““What makes a morula ?”
Q and A
Dr. Dara Berger
Dara S. Berger has been working in the field of reproductive medicine since 2009, and an IVF laboratory director since 2014. Dr. Berger is currently the laboratory director at the University of Pennsylvania, Penn Fertility Care. She directs the embryology, andrology and endocrinology laboratories. She also performs all aspects of clinical embryology. Dr. Berger is the offsite IVF laboratory director at Illume Fertility, Norwalk, CT. Dr. Berger holds a High Complexity Laboratory Director (HCLD) certificate from the American Board of Bioanalysis. In addition to her qualifications as laboratory director and clinical embryologist, she has extensive research experience in the field. After receiving her PhD from the University of Pittsburgh in human genetics, she completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation. Since that time, she has not only been working as a director and embryologist, but has continued her passion for research by participating in projects at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine while in New York, at UNC Fertility, and Penn Fertility Care. Both Penn and Illume Fertility have active academic IVF programs and Dr. Berger enjoys teaching REI fellows and medical students. In 2023 Dr. Berger established a cooperative education program with a local University where undergraduate students intern in IVF laboratories helping to develop the next generation of reproductive laboratory scientists. She is always interested in participating in translational research and teaching opportunities.
Dr. Dean E. Morbeck
Dr. Morbeck is the Chief Scientific Officer for Genea Fertility based in Sydney as well an adjunct associate professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Monash University, Melbourne. His research and clinical activities focus on quality in the laboratory, from culture media and the use of KPIs to the integration of new technology. He has a keen interest in clinically relevant translational science and education - bringing innovative and insightful content to all areas of fertility care. He has held several leadership positions, including Chief Scientific Officer for Kindbody, Inc., Scientific Director at Fertility Associates, New Zealand and Sunfert International Fertility Centre, Malaysia, and Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic in Obstetrics and Gynecology and Laboratory Medicine and Pathology. He obtained his Bachelor of Science from the University of Wisconsin, a Master of Science and Doctorate in Physiology from North Carolina State University and an MBA from Augsburg College.
Dr. Christian S. Ottolini
Dr Ottolini is a globally respected clinical scientist and embryologist, blending expertise in genetics with a passion for assisted reproductive technology. Conceived through IVF himself, his journey inspires his pursuits to advance our understanding of human fertility and drive improvements in fertility care. As Head of Embryology at Juno Genetics, he leads with innovation, helping to shape the future of reproductive genetic testing.
Dr. Giovanni Coticchio
Giovanni Coticchio holds a PhD in Cell and Developmental Biology and a qualification of full professor. He is Science and Research Manager of IVIRMA Global Research Alliance, IVIRMA Italia. He has published over 120 papers, numerous book chapters and two books. Since June 2021, he has served as member of the Executive Committee of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
Dr. George Liperis
George Liperis is a consultant Embryologist. He is certified by ESHRE as Senior Clinical Embryologist and practices Clinical Embryology as Scientific Director of Embryorigin Fertility Centre, combining research and teaching through his Senior Lecturer affiliation with the University of Sydney. His research interests consist of the development of improved methods of assisted conception. He is a member of the Editorial boards of ESHRE journal club and Focus of Reproduction, an Associate Editor of Reproduction and Fertility journal and an ESHRE appointed assessor of training centres in clinical Embryology. He has book chapters and numerous publications in highly ranked peer reviewed reproductive medicine journals and has been invited to deliver workshops and present in a number of international conferences worldwide.
Dr. Robin Skory
Dr. Skory is a physician-scientist at the University of Pennsylvania whose research focuses on preimplantation development. She is an Instructor in the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility and is currently supported by the Reproductive Scientist Development Program (NIH/ASRM) in the laboratory of Nicolas Plachta. Dr. Skory obtained her MD and PhD at Northwestern University, with her thesis in the laboratory of Teresa Woodruff. She completed residency training in OB/Gyn at the University of California San Francisco and REI fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania. Her current research employs live imaging to uncover fundamental events and mechanisms underlying.
