Course Presentation
#Aim
This is a specialized postgraduate program that focuses on the scientific field of Clinical Embryology and respective practices, according to principles of Personalized Medicine and Precision Medicine.
The aim of the course is to provide insight into the advanced cognitive objects of Clinical Embryology and Biology of Human Reproduction. The innovative educational framework of this program promotes the development of critical thinking and upgrades the participants’ academic background encompassing thorough understanding of “state-of-the-art” advances.
From the optimal operation of the clinical embryology and andrology laboratories, and the methodology employed for quality control, to the current and novel approaches on embryo culture and evaluation of the embryo’s competency, this course covers the A to Z of Clinical Embryology and Biology or Reproduction Practices from theory to practical aspects.
#Teaching Modules
Submodules
1.1 Physiology of the female reproductive system. Byron Asimakopoulos
1.2 Female Infertility: Aetiology and management strategies. Ippokratis Sarris
1.3 Physiology of the male reproductive system. Francesco Lotti
1.4 Male Infertility: Aetiology and management strategies. To be confirmed
1.5 Ovarian stimulation in the era of personalized and precision medicine. Theodoros Kalampokas
1.6 Diminished ovarian reserve from bench to bedside. Panagiotis Drakopoulos
1.7 Recurrent Miscarriage and Recurrent Implantation Failure: How far have we come? Petros Drakakis
1.8 Embryo and Endometrium: A complex relationship. Irene Souter
1.9 The role of Nutrition and Metabolic Factors on Human Reproduction and MAR. Chavarro Jorge
1.10 Embryo Transfer: Evidence based clinical practice. Nikos Christoforidis
Submodules
2.1 Organization and management on setting up an Assisted Reproduction Unit. Despina Tzanakaki
2.2 Organization, management, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Embryology Laboratory. Giles Palmer
2.3 Organization, management, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for the Andrology Laboratory. Evangelini Evgeni
2.4 Organization, management, and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for Cryopreservation Banks. Alexia Chatziparasidou
2.5 Quality control and crisis management in the IVF laboratory. Chelsey Leisinger
2.6 Inspecting an IVF Laboratory. Gerry Celia
2.7 Data, data, data. The past, present and future of data management in IVF. Jaques Cohen
Submodules
3.1 Standardized semen analysis: Lessons for novice and experts. Betsy Cairo
3.2 Sperm morphology assessment by strict criteria. Betsy Cairo
3.3 Semen analysis: Ancillary tests. George Liperis
3.4 Automated analysis of sperm diagnostics and selection for therapeutics: CASA and Beyond. Meurig Gallagher
3.5 Optimal management of ejaculate and non-ejaculate originating spermatozoa for ART purposes. Michael Carroll
3.6 The role of patient's history and sperm preparation techniques for diagnostic and ART purposes. Stamatis Papaharitou
3.7 Latest research in andrology. Ralf Henkel
3.8 Advanced semen tests. Dolores Lamb
3.9 Contributions of the Male Gamete to the Embryo and Offspring. Dolores Lamb
Submodules
4.1 How understanding basic cryobiology can help us improve outcomes Kimball O. Pomeroy
4.2 Safety in human reproductive cell cryopreservation. Lodovico Parmegiani
4.3 Cryostorage safety: validation, quality control and best practices. Kimball O. Pomeroy
4.4 Factors affecting vitrification success. Kimball O. Pomeroy
4.5 Oocyte and embryo cryopreservation. Laura Rienzi
4.6 Frozen Embryo Transfer: Optimizing the Outcome. Eman Elgindy
4.7 Ovarian tissue cryopreservation: Where are we today? David Albertini
4.8 Testicular tissue cryopreservation: Where are we today? Elena Kontogianni
Submodules
5.1 Insemination methods an Overview of IUI, IVF, ICSI and specialized equipment. Jackson Kirkman-Brown
5.2 Micromanipulation in the era of Individualized Medicine: how to select the best sperm for ICSI Lodovico Parmegiani
5.3 Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI): Technique and technical aspects. Mina Alikani
5.4 Evaluation of insemination outcomes. Nikica Zaninovic
5.5 ICSI for All? Mina Alikani
5.6 Artificial oocyte activation: From basic research to clinical practice. Karl Swann
5.7 Understanding the oocyte and decoding its competence. Federica Franciosi
5.8 How to select the best insemination method: Evidence Based Clinical Practice. Gemma Arroyo
Submodules
6.1 Physiology and development of the preimplantation embryo. Mara Simopoulou
6.2 The pyramid of successful implantation. Laura Rienzi
6.3 Metabolism of the preimplantation embryo. Roger Sturmey
6.4 Culture media in IVF. Dean Morbeck
6.5 Embryo culture incubators. Jason Swain
6.6 Time-lapse imaging technology in the IVF laboratory. Marcos Meseguer
6.7 The epigenetics of blastocyst culture. Alan Handyside
6.8 Embryo Culture: Past, present and future. David Gardner
Submodules
7.1 Embryo selection. David Gardner
7.2 The making of the blastocyst. Giovanni Coticchio
7.3 Novel approaches in oocyte and preimplantation embryo evaluation and automation in MAR. Alejandro Chavez-Badiola
7.4 Embryo identification. Irene Dimitriadis
7.5 Non-invasive selection of embryo viability: The value of the embryos metabolic blueprint. Denny Sakkas
7.6 Artificial intelligence in the IVF laboratory. Charles Bormann
7.7 Morphokinetic evaluation of the preimplantation embryo: What is there to gain? Eros Nikitos
Submodules
8.1 Genetic profile, analysis of the preimplantation embryo and novel approaches. Dagan Wells
8.2 Biopsy methods, novel techniques and PGT optimal practice according to guidelines. Georgia Kokkali
8.3 Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Structural Rearrangements (PGT-SR). Darren Griffin
8.4 Preimplantation Genetic Testing for Monogenic Disorders (PGT-M). Joanne Traeger-Synodinos
8.5 Preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A): Benefits, risks and its true place in MAR. Eric Forman
8.6 Embryo ploidy status and implantation: A conundrum. Danilo Cimadomo
8.7 Non Invasive – PGT. Gary Harton
8.8 Physiology of the preimplantation embryo post biopsy and vitrification Aikaterini Chatzimeletiou
8.9 Biological and clinical importance of mosaicism of the preimplantation embryo. Ioannis Georgiou
Submodules
9.1 The strategic role of the clinical embryologist as a Scientist and Innovator. Jared Robins
9.2 Novel promising concepts in clinical embryology research. Ioannis Sfontouris
9.3 Novel approaches in fertility preservation. Nikolaos Vlachos
9.4 Novel experimental approaches in addressing ovarian insufficiency. Sonia Herraiz
9.5 Novel experimental approaches: Mitochondrial Replacement Therapy. Nuno Costa-Borges
9.6 The Bioethicist's perspective on novel approaches and Add-ons offered in Assisted Reproduction. Heidi Mertes
9.7 The Clinical Psychologist’s perspective on novel approaches and Add-ons offered in Assisted Reproduction. Mariana Veloso Martins
9.8 The future of IVF. Joyce Harper
9.9 Advanced Maternal Age: challenges and solutions. Martha Luna
9.10 Concerns and considerations in IVF practices. David Albertini
9.11 Digital transformation of the IVF unit. Achilleas Papatheodorou
Submodules
10.1 The evolution of research in female reproduction: Milestones and future goals. George Mastorakos
10.2 Type of studies in research. Theodoros Sergentanis
10.3 Research and statistics. Kimball Pomeroy
10.4 Basic statistical principles for the practicing physicians and embryologists. Theodoros Sergentanis
10.5 The value of systematic reviews and meta-analyses in ART. Efstratios Kolibianakis
10.6 Evidence Based Medicine. Charalampos Siristatidis
10.7 Evidence Based clinical embryology: it is not that simple. Jaques Cohen
10.8 IVF add-ons: Proper research design and execution. Mara Simopoulou
Submodules
11.1 Critical analysis skills assessment
11.2 Round Table I ‘’The Dos and Don'ts of How to Run a Successful IVF Laboratory’’
11.3 Round Table II ‘’Outliers: handling unusual events in the IVF laboratory’’
Moderator: Gerry Celia
Andrology-The challenge of handling different specimens. Liesl Nel-Themaat
Handling unusual patients-Things to watch out. Bryan Kloos
Oocyte freezing and thawing: What to watch out for. Wayne Caswell
Culture conditions-blastocyst problems: What do we need to know. Arthur Chang
Micromanipulation-Tips and tricks on Biopsy for challenging cases. Debbie Venier
PGT-A: The perspective and responsibility of the geneticist. Gary Harton
11.4 Round Table III ‘’Insights in publishing in Reproductive Medicine’’
Moderator: David Albertini
The Editor’s perspective: A view from the top 2 decades of change and where we are going. David Albertini
What are the characteristics of a publishable manuscript. Pierre Comizzoli
From the trenches: Managing the process of reviewing. Arthur Chang
From data analysis to clinical relevance. Alex Quass
11.5 Round Table IV ‘’Training Management and Professional Development in Clinical Embryology’’
Moderator:Giles Palmer
Training and Management. Giles Palmer
Staff Recruitment /Worldwide Embryologists Status. Joe Conaghan
Responsibilities/Occupational Demands. Kathryn Go
Conflict resolution. Andrew Thompson
Continuing professional development and how to navigate your career as a clinical Embryologist. Julia Holland
Wellbeing and Burn-out in the IVF Laboratory. Shaista Sadruddin
#Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Following completion of the Course participants should be able to define and clearly describe:
[1] Recall the principles of physiology and pathophysiology of the reproductive system.
[2] Summarize the causes of infertility and present the various methods and strategies for its management.
[3] Outline the protocols regarding the organization, management, quality and reliability control of the services offered in clinical embryology/andrology laboratories and cryopreservation banks.
[4] Define the methods of analysis, activation and evaluation of quality and function of the sperm.
[5] Outline the principles of cryobiology and explain the effect and efficacy of the available protocols concerning the viability and quality of cryopreserved gametes, embryos, as well as ovarian and testicular tissue samples.
[6] Describe the methods of insemination and evaluate their application in the context of personalized medicine and precision medicine.
[7] Outline the available methods as well as the equipment options for the optimization of embryo culture conditions.
[8] Recall the principles of embryo quality assessment through the application of both conventional and advanced criteria that range from morphology to morphokinetic data and artificial intelligence.
[9] Compare conventional to advanced methods of preimplantation genetic testing focusing on the reliability of analysis and their impact on embryo developmental potential.
[10] Explain the implementation of innovative/ experimental therapeutic approaches that are in the spotlight of research in Assisted Reproduction.
[11] Define the basic principles of analysis and interpretation of statistical and research data.
[12] Name the basic principles of research methodology and Evidence Based Medicine and highlight the value of research data in clinical practice.
[13] Classify methods of managing and organizing clinical embryology/andrology laboratories.
[14] Present tools for the optimization of services and applied techniques.
[15] Give examples of managing rare and perplexed clinical cases.
Skills (Psychomotor)
Following the completion of the Course participants should be able to:
[1] Correlate complex underlying causes of infertility with proper therapeutic approaches and follow treatment protocols in assisted reproduction.
[2] Organize, manage, monitor and optimize quality and reliability of the services (quality control και quality assurance) offered in the clinical embryology / andrology laboratories and cryopreservation banks.
[3] Describe and opt for the optimal protocols for analysis and preparation of semen samples employing a personalized medicine approach.
[4] Follow optimal cryopreservation protocols for gametes, embryos, ovarian and testicular tissue to optimize clinical outcome.
[5] Evaluate, select and optimize insemination methods considering their effectiveness based on the requirements of each clinical case and the cause of infertility as personalized and precision medicine indicates.
[6] Select and optimize embryo culture conditions while focusing on the optimal protocols based on the available equipment and the requirements for each clinical case.
[7] Employ methods of evaluating quality and developmental potential of the preimplantation embryo according to the most recent published data and guidelines, and further identify the strengths and weaknesses of novel “cutting-edge” methods, such as artificial intelligence and the technology of ‘’OMICs’’
[8] Determine the cases where Preimplantation Genetic Testing is required, evaluate and select the optimal PGT protocol based on the specific characteristics of each clinical case as well as the existing guidelines.
[9] Recall the principles of application of novel advanced methods regarding PGT focusing on their strengths and weaknesses, assess the potential impact of PGT protocols on the development and the dynamics of the preimplantation embryo.
[10] Highlight the significance of genetically profiling the preimplantation embryo and the clinical impact of mosaicism in the context of PGT application.
[11] Critically assess innovative and experimental approaches that emerge in Medically Assisted Reproduction.
[12] Accurately rpret research data, evaluate the validity of studies, optimize clinical practice through Evidence Based Medicine, understand the basic principles in designing proper research protocols, and become familiarized with the role of various “add-ons” in clinical practice.
Abilities (Social/Emotional)
Following the completion of the Course participants should be able to:
[1] Endorse a clinical practice based on the principles of Personalized Medicine, Precision Medicine and Evidence Based Medicine
[2] Develop communicative and organizational skills and improve management skills in clinical practice
[3] Promote ideas and perceptions related to bioethical issues and address dilemmas in the context of daily clinical practice and research
#Educational Process
The ‘’Advanced Course in Clinical Embryology’’ is an online, distance learning program conducted on an annual basis with a total duration of 12 months, commencing in early October and concluded at the end of September of the following year.
The official language of the Program is English.
Online live lectures take place every Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Greek time). The course features a hybrid (mixed) form, enabling both synchronous and asynchronous education. This means that for the participants that may not be able to attend the synchronous live lecture, there is access to the recorded session at their own time, while educational material is respectively available on the online learning platform (e-class).
Lectures are provided via the Zoom platform. A day prior to each lecture participants receive the link for the Zoom meeting. It should be noted that access to the meeting is only available for those who have successfully completed the registration to the Course.
Following completion of registration each participant also receives a unique personalized username and password in order to be able to sign in on the online learning platform (e-class) platform. Via the e-class platform participants have access to the entirety of the educational material.
The curriculum provides:
• Full coverage on the subject of Clinical Embryology and Biology of Human Reproduction
• Education provided by world-wide leaders in Clinical Embryology and Assisted Reproduction and globally acknowledged educators
• 11 Teaching Modules and ''Problem Based Learning Sessions'' focusing on issues of paramount importance during the complex daily routine in a Clinical Embryology and Andrology Laboratory
Successful completion of the Course will lead to the award of a Certificate of Specialized Training in “Advanced Clinical Embryology” awarded by the Medical School as well as by the Center of Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
