Symposium QRM in IVF laboratories 2014

Universidad de La Matanza
and
the Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
in collaboration with
Embryolab Academy
are organising

IVth Annual Symposium
of the Assisted Reproduction Programme
of the Province of Buenos Aires

Quality and Risk Management in IVF laboratories

4 and 5 December 2014
Universidad de la Matanza

Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina

UNLaM Universidad Nacional de La Matanza

Symposium Objectives

Quality Control and Risk Management in the IVF laboratory plays an important role in the success of any IVF program. Course objectives are the following:

To improve knowledge and understanding of all the recent advances in Quality and Risk Management for assisted reproduction technologies (ART) laboratories.
To focus on all processes performed within ART laboratories and how they can be improved by Total Quality Management (TQM)
To understand how quality assessment and TQM will provide patients with the best and most safe treatments and procedures available
To investigate how TQM can be a useful tool to improve efficacy and efficiency, also with respect to financial and administrative aspects

Target Audience

This two-day workshop is designed for reproductive scientists, embryologists, quality managers in IVF as well as ART Unit managers who desire to improve their knowledge and understanding of all the recent advances in Quality and Risk Management for ART laboratories.

Program

The theoretical session will give an overview of the recent advances in Quality and Risk Management for laboratories working with Assisted Reproductive Technologies. In the afternoon session different experts will focus on different methodologies/techniques to standardise, measure, validate, and control different parameters like temperature, pH, air quality etc. in ART laboratories.

In the’ Brains-on’ sessions the expert team and the participants will investigate specific problems/troubles/issues that can occur in their laboratories. In an interactive way, the expert team and the participants will investigate the problem and design a route for solving and preventing these (and other) problems in the future.

Topics discussed will include the following

What is quality and why does it matter?
What is quality management?
What is total quality management (TQM)?
ISO 9001 – ISO 15189 – What is in the number?
How does TQM impact your day to day work in the ART laboratories: IVF, Andrology, PGD and Cryobiology laboratories
How to collect and manage your data
Internal and external quality control for IVF, Andrology, PGD and Cryobiology laboratories
KPI’s and other stuff: How to define your success rates in TQM and the role of statistics
What is risk and how do you analyse it?
Non-conformity registration in ART: why bother?
How do I prepare, implement and review SOPs (Standard Operating procedures)?
How do I measure and validate temperatures, O2 and pH of specific equipment in my laboratories
What about selection, quality and validation of media used in my laboratories?
I need to prevent errors and have traceability in all my laboratory activities and cryostorage system. Is there a simple way?
I need safe materials and equipment for my laboratory and patient related procedures. Are they safe? How to select?
Air quality: is it that important and if so, how to measure and control it?

Symposium Organisers

Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires , Argentina
Universidad de La Matanza, Provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina
Embryolab Academy, Thessaloniki, Greece

Symposium Directors

Dr. Ricardo Asch , Argentina – Dr. Martine Nijs, Greece

Symposium Coordinators

Dra. Natalia Tarducci, Argentina – Dr. Gustavo Martinez, Argentina – Dr. Margarita Bosch, Argentina -Dra Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece

Speakers

Our speakers have been carefully selected on the basis of the importance and weight of their scientific work in the specific domains of interest as well as their excellent educational skills.

Martine Nijs

PhD, M Sc, Bac Sc, ESHRE accredited Sr Clin Embryologist Director IVF and Andrology Laboratories Nij Geertgen, the Greece; Research and Development Consultant Embryolab, Greece; Director Embryolab Academy, Greece

Martine Nijs has been working in the field of reproductive biology for over 20 years; first as a senior clinical embryologist and later as IVF lab director. She obtained her PhD in Medical Sciences at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium. She is also an ESHRE accredited senior clinical embryologist. Research as well as delivering high quality laboratory work has always been one of her passions. Martine is first author of 17 peer reviewed publications five chapters in books and co-author in 68 publications. Martine has presented over a hundred lectures as an invited speaker at national and international meetings. She has been actively involved in organising International Meetings, Workshops and one-to-one Hands-on workshops. Dr. Martine Nijs is member of the Editorial Board Faculty 1000 Research and ad hoc Board member of 9 international Journals in reproductive biology and fertility treatments. She is an active member of 7 professional societies. Martine is co-founder and Director of the Embryolab-Academy, Research and Development Consultant at Embryolab in Greece and Director IVF and Andrology Laboratories at Nij Geertgen, Greece

Alexia Chatziparasidou

M Clin Embryology, M Sc, Bac Sc, ESHRE accredited Sr Clin Embryologist Laboratory Director Embryolab, Thessaloniki, Greece

Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou is a Sr. Clinical Embryologist with long experience of more than 30,000 IVF cycles. Her scientific interests focus mainly on the application of modern fertility preservation techniques. She has also long experience on treating male subfertility, as well as on developing methods of co-culture with homologous endometrial cells. In 2007, Mrs Chatziparasidou completed her M Sc in Clinical Embryology at the University of Leeds, UK. Since 2007 she is actively involved in preimplantation genetic diagnosis and screening in couples at risk. In 2004, Mrs Chatziparasidou founded Embryolab, and since has been the director of Embryolab, a modern state of art assisted reproduction unit. She is member of Alpha, the international society of Reproductive Scientists , the European Society of Human Reproduction and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine. Mrs Chatziparasidou is co-founder of Embryolab-Academy

Hubert Joris

Bac Med Lab Tech, ESHRE accredited Clinical Embryologist Medical Affairs Manager Vitrolife, Västra Frölunda, Sweden

Hubert Joris is a BSc in medical laboratory technology. He has been working in ART from 1989 until 2004 at the Centre for Reproductive Medicine of the Dutch-speaking Brussels Free University, Belgium where he co-authored the first paper on ICSI pregnancies. Hubert is the (co)-author of over 60 peer reviewed articles on ICSI, embryology, cryopreservation, embryo biopsy, PGD and pregnancy follow up. He is the recipient of two ESHRE awards at the 1998 and 2004 Annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Hubert is also an ESHRE accredited Clinical Embryologist. Hubert Joris is currently working at the research department of Vitrolife, where his is involved in the scientific and technical developments.

Nicolás Garrido Puchalt

PhD, MSc, M Res Methods, Bac Sc Director of the Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank, IVI Valencia, Spain

Dr. Nicolás Garrido received his Biological Sciences Degree in 1997 from the University of Valencia in Spain. He did a pre-doctoral fellowship at the Frauenklinik, Düsseldorf, Germany. He received his Ph.D. Degree in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in 2001 from the University of Valencia, Spain, and the Extraordinary Prize for his thesis work in 2002. He also has a Master degree in Research Methods; Design and Statistics from Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, Spain. Since 2000, he is the Director of the Andrology Laboratory and Sperm Bank at the Instituto Valenciano de Infertilidad (IVI). Dr. Garrido is a member of several scientific societies and has twice received the research award from the Spanish Society of Fertility, and the Prize Paper of the Spanish Society of Urology. The primary areas of his research are the molecular markers of male infertility and sperm survival after freezing/thawing, assisted reproduction in HIV/VHC sero discordant couples, and sperm banking. Dr. Garrido is the recipient of several grants from public and private organizations in Spain. He has published over 100 articles and 40 reviews or book chapters, made almost 300 presentations at national and international congresses. He is the statistics assessor of IVI Valencia. Dr. Garrido coordinates the fellowship courses from the Teaching Area of the IVI group and is Professor in the Master in Biotechnology of the Human Reproduction from Instituto Universitario IVI, Valencia University. He is also in charge of IVICO, an IVI group company dedicated to provide with training, consulting and auditing services to assisted reproduction units.

David Morroll

PhD, MSc , Sr Clinical Embryologist Director of Embryology, Origio, Malov, Denmark

Dr. David Morroll has worked as a Clinical Embryologist since 1986, training in Manchester, where he also completed his PhD studies. He has since managed laboratories in a number of UK IVF units including those in Nottingham, London and Leeds, and is currently Scientific Director for the Centre for Reproductive Heath at Daresbury in Cheshire. He joined ORIGIO a/s as Director of Embryology in November 2011, providing training and education, performing audits and troubleshooting visits, and participating in product R&D. He served as Chair of the UK Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and Association of Biomedical Andrologists (ABA), as well as being involved with several working groups, notably the HFEA Expert Group on Multiple Births after IVF. As well as general embryology expertise, Dr Morroll has a keen interestin quality management, acting as Quality Manager for certification to ISO9000:2008. He also worked with the UK National External Quality Assurance Schemes (NEQAS) for Andrology and Embryo Assessment, after performing the initial pilot studies in Nottingham.

Gustavo Martinez

PhD., Bac Sc., SAMeR accredited Sr. Clinical Embryologist Director of the Biology Laboratory, Fertilidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires; Vice President Argentinian Society of Reproductive Medicine (SAMeR), Argentina

Dr. A. Gustavo Martínez received his Biological Sciences Degree in 1991 from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentine. He received his Ph.D. degree in 2006 from the University of Buenos Aires in Argentine, working in cryopreservation of mammalian embryos. Since 2000, he is the Director of the Biology Laboratory of Fertilidad San Isidro, Buenos Aires, Argentine. Dr. Martínez is a member of Argentinian Society of Biology (SAB) and the Vice President Argentinian Society of Reproductive Medicine (SAMeR). The primary areas of his work are human clinical embryology and andrology. He has published over 20 articles and made almost 100 presentations at national and international congresses. He is the director of the Biology of Reproduction course in SAMeR. He has directed more than 20 bachelor science thesis and also has directed more than 20 students from On-line course of Red Latin-American Assisted Reproduction Net (Red LaRA)

Ricardo Asch

Prof., Gyn Obst , MD Honorary Professor University of Buenos Aires (UBA), Consultant Ministry of Health Province of Buenos Aires , Argentina

Dr. Asch received his MD degrees at the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina where he also completed his residency in Gynecology. He served fellowships in Endocrinology and Reproductive Medicine in The Medical College of Georgia and at the University of Texas-San Antonio. Dr. Asch was appointed Professor at The University of Texas-San Antonio and The University of California-Irvine, where he held the position of Vice Dean of the Medical School. Dr. Ricardo H. Asch has published 300 original research articles in the field of Human Reproduction focusing on GIFT, ZIFT and MESA. He has authored in and edited 6 books and received numerous awards for his achievements in basic and clinical research in the fields of infertility and endocrinology. He is t member of multiple scientific organizations and received Professor Honoris Causa from Universities in Argentina, Italy and Colombia. Dr. Asch served in the Editorial Board of several Medical Journals dedicated to endocrinology and fertility. Dr. Asch main clinical interests are developing new fertility therapies and new fertility preservation methods in oncology patients. Dr. Asch also focusses on Bioethical aspects in Reproductive Medicine. Currently, Dr. Asch is consultant to the Ministry of Health of the Province of Buenos Aires in Argentina where he participates in the Project to facilitate equal and free allocation of fertility treatments for all the citizens in Society and fights against the medical discrimination of underserved minorities.

Symposium Programme

Programme Wednesday 3 December 2014

Symposium Welcome Reception

Programme Thursday 4 December 2014

Morning Session

8:00 – 8:30	Registration with coffee and tea
8:30 – 8:40	Welcome by the Directors of the Symposium Ricardo Asch, Argentina – Martine Nijs, Greece
8:40 – 9:20	What is quality? What is quality management? What is Total Quality Management ? Martine Nijs, Greece
9:20 – 10:00	Certification – accreditation – ISO 9001 – ISO 15189 – ABB : what’s in a name, what’s in a number? Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
10:00 – 11:00	How to collect and manage your data Nicolás Garrido Puchalt, Spain
11:00 – 11:30	Coffee break
11:30 – 12:00	What is risk and how do you assess it? Non-conformity registration in ART. Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
12:00 – 12:30	Internal and external quality control for IVF, Andrology, PGD and Cryobiology laboratories Martine Nijs, Greece
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch

Programme Thursday 4 December 2014

Afternoon Session Quality Control in the laboratory

13:30 – 14:15	How do I prepare, implement and review SOPs (Standard Operating procedures)? Nicolás Garrido Puchalt, Spain
14:15 – 14:45	I need safe materials and equipment for my laboratory and patient related procedures. Are they safe? How to select? Martine Nijs, Greece
14:45 – 15:15	Air quality: is it that important and if so, how to measure and control it? Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
15:15 – 15:45	Coffee Break
15:45 – 16:15	How about Quality Control in a Transport IVF System Martine Nijs, Greece
16:15 – 16:45	Quality and Legal and Ethical aspects- Current situation – a complementary match Ricardo Asch and Gustavo Martinez, Argentina

Programme Friday 5 December 2014

Morning Session

9:00 – 10:00	How to define your success rates in TQM, KPI’s and the role of statistics Nicolás Garrido Puchalt, Spain
10:00 – 10:30	Preventing errors and having traceability in all your laboratory activities and cryostorage systems – how to manage Alexia Chatziparasidou, Greece
10:30 – 11:00	Coffee break
11:00 – 11:30	Culture medium validation and Quality Control in your laboratory: similar or complementary to manufacturers Quality Control? David Morroll, Denmark
11:30 – 12:00	How do I measure and validate parameters like osmalarity, temperatures and pH in specific equipments in my laboratories . What is their role in my culture system? Hubert Joris, Sweden
12:00 – 12:30	The particular nature of IVF Total Quality Management: successes and pitfalls Martine Nijs, Greece
12:30 – 13:30	Lunch

Programme Friday 5 December 2014

Afternoon Break out Session Brains-on: ‘Bring your troubles to us and we will ’shoot’ them!’

Chair: All invited speakers will take part of the expert panel
13:30 – 15:00	In this interactive ‘break-out’ session, expert speakers will present case reports in groups, describing a specific problem/trouble/issue encountered in an IVF laboratory. Collectively, the expert team and the participants will investigate the problem and design a route for solving and preventing this (and other) problems in the future Topic examples: Since the last two days I am observing repetitive failed fertilisation in IVF but not in ICSI. Nothing changed in my procedures. How can this be? I want to start using a new brand of ICSI dish. How do I validate them? We are moving to a new operating theatre for our egg collections and embryo transfers. How do I validate this? What do I need to test? Our gynecologist wants to start using cheaper embryo transfer catheters, but the embryologist claims they are toxic for the embryos. What to do? I think that one my embryologists is performing poorly? How do I test in an objective way?
15:00 – 15:45	Summary of ‘Brains-on’ workshop
16:00	Closure of workshop and Farewell drink

General Information

Symposium Registration

Registration is free of charge. Number of participants is limited to 100. Confirmation of registration is based on a ‘first-come-first-serve’ basis.

Please mail your request for registration to qualitycontrol.ivf@gmail.com. An electronic registration form will be mailed to you by Ms. Margarita Bosch.

Symposium Secretariat

For any information please mail to qualitycontrol.ivf@gmail.com

Symposium Venue

UNLaM Universidad de la Matanza, Moreno 1623 – Auditorio , Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Symposium language

The official language of the Workshop is English. There will be simultaneous translation to Spanish.

Liability

The Workshop secretariat and organiser cannot assume liability for personal accidents, loss of or damage to private property of participants, either during, or directly arising from the Workshop. Participants should make their own arrangements with respect to health and travel insurance. Ongoing professional education, Evaluation of Symposium and Certificate of attendance

Participants can demonstrate by means of replying to a short set of questions their understanding and learning of the specific topics presented during the Symposium. A CPD questionnaire, together with an overall evaluation questionnaire of the Symposium will be mailed to each participant. After completion of the on-line questionnaires, delegates will be directed to a Download page to retrieve CPD Certificates and Certificates of Attendance.

Education and Training:

B.Sc.	Biology. University of Valencia, Spain (1990)
Master Degree	Biology of Reproduction. University of Valencia, Spain (1991)
Ph.D (Biology)	Valencia School of Medicine. University of Valencia, Spain (1996)
Fellowship	Postdoctoral fellowship on Immunology of Reproduction at Fearing Research Laboratory. Harvard Medical School, MA, USA (1996-1999)

Roberta Maggiulli, PhD, MSc

GENERA Lab Supervisor, Senior Clinical Embryologist (ESHRE certified)

Panelist

Roberta Maggiulli is an ESHRE-certified senior clinical embryologist.

She obtained her MSc in Biotechnology and post-graduate school of specialization in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Parma, then she worked as Research Staff Associate at the Center for Reproductive Medicine and Infertility of Weill Cornell Medical College of New York.

Since 2009 she is the lab supervisor of the GENERA center in Rome. At present she is a member of the scientific board of the Italian Society of Embryology, Reproduction and Research (SIERR).

Her interests encompass the validation and standardization of laboratory practices in IVF.

Alessandra Alteri, PhD, MSc

Embryologist at San Raffaele Hospital, Senior Deputy of the SIG SQART - ESHRE

Panelist

ALESSANDRA ALTERI

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

January 2021: Review Editor of Frontiers Reproductive Health Journal.
June 2019- at present: Senior Deputy of the Special Interest Group on Safety and Quality in ART (SIG SQART) of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
January 2019- at present: Member of the Editorial Board of the Notify Library
June 2018: Principal Investigator of the study: Does partial zona pellucida removal from vitrified-warmed human blastocysts improve delivery rate in in vitro fertilization? A multicentric RCT on Laser Assisted Hatching. IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
July 2017-June 2019: Junior Deputy of the Special Interest Group on Safety and Quality in ART (SIG SQART) of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
September 2015-present: Embryologist at San Raffaele Hospital, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
November 2011- 2015: Embryologist at Ferticlinic-Villa Margherita, Rome, Italy.
January 2011-September 2011: Postdoctoral fellowship at Development and Therapy of the Muscle Lab, Division of Regenerative Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.

EDUCATION

January 2021- at present: School of Specialization in Microbiology and Virology, University of Pavia, Italy
July 2018: ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist Certification
June 2015: ESHRE Clinical Embryologist Certification
February 2014 - June 2014: “Course of Biology and news technologies in Assisted Reproductive Technology” at Federico II University, Naples, Italy.
November 2007 - February 2011: PhD in Cellular Biology and Development at Department of Cellular Biology and Development, Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: “Role of differentiation associated-microRNAs in the regulation of myogenesis and the control of cell transformation”.
February 2005 - May 2007: Master degree in Genetics and Molecular Biology at Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: "MicroRNAs in muscle differentiation control” (110/100 cum laude).
September 2001 - February 2005: Bachelor degree in Biological Sciences at Sapienza-University of Rome, Rome, Italy. Thesis title: "Interaction between early adenoviral products and cell functions" (110/100 cum laude).

Keshav Malhotra, MBBS MCE

Rainbow IVF Director

Panelist

Dr. Keshav Malhotra holds a masters degree in Clinical Embryology and is one of the few ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologists in INDIA. He is the Lab Director of Rainbow IVF and now the Director of Malhotra Embryology training Academy. Dr. Malhotra is on the board of ISAR and ISPAT and has worked on Key projects pertaining to Embryology in the country like the Occupational Standard for Embryologists and the Embryology Consensus.

Dean Morbeck, PhD, HCLD (ABB)

Scientific Director at Fertility Associates New Zealand

Speaker

Dr. Morbeck is the Scientific Director at Fertility Associates New Zealand, Sunfert International Fertility Centre, and an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Auckland. He oversees science in IVF clinics throughout New Zealand and Malaysia that annually perform >4000 fresh cycles. Prior to moving to NZ, Dean was an Associate Professor at the Mayo Clinic. He has a keen interest in quality of care, as evidenced by his publications on media composition and laboratory KPIs. He has also completed an MBA, which he is putting to use to improve both the science and patient experience at Fertility Associates and Sunfert.

Kelly Tilleman, PHD, MSc

Director IVF lab and Quality Management Team member– Post-doctoral fellow in the G-FAST research team at UGhent

Speaker

My research experience started in the field of proteomics where I obtained a PhD in biomarker research in inflammatory arthritides at the University of Ghent in 2007. At that time, I combined my scientific enthusiasm with the responsibility of quality manager for an accredited DNA fingerprinting laboratory. As a post-doctoral fellow, I got in touch with the group op Petra De Sutter, as we joined forces in several research projects. Because of my experience as a quality manager and my interest in the wonderful world of reproductive medicine, I started a new career at the department of Petra de Sutter in November 2009. I combined the task of quality manager of the fertility centre with scientific research in the area of fertility preservation. During the years, I combined quality management with project and laboratory process management.

Currently, I am the director of the Ghent University Hospital IVF lab, where I have the privilege to work with a very dynamic and enthusiastic team.

I am coordinator of the special interest group SQART at ESHRE, Belgian representative for EDQM at the Council of Europe and board member of international organization ICCBBA (ISBT-128).

Miki Belenky MSc

Male Fertility Center, Lab deputy director.

Speaker

Miki Belenky is a Clinical biologist and embryologist specializing in male infertility. After graduating from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and more than 12 years of medical laboratory experience, completed his M.Sc. degree in Bar-Ilan University with a thesis on sperm function. Since 2015 has been working at Male Fertility Center, a highly specialized andrology laboratory dealing with severe cases of male infertility. Currently, holds the position of deputy director of the lab. Also, works as an embryologist at the IVF department of Shamir Medical Center. Participated in several research projects focusing on sperm morphology, function and cryopreservation, including a development of a novel technique for cryopreservation of individual spermatozoa. Member of the Israeli Fertility Association (IFA) and ESHRE.

Matthew Feldman MSc, MA

Marketing Director at ZyMōt Fertility

Speaker

Matthew Feldman began his career as a biochemist, studying the molecular mechanisms of colon cancer progression in mouse models and human disease. He continued studying therapeutic strategies to mitigate RNA decay in classes of genetic disease.
Leaving research to become an advocate for vaccine-preventable diseases, he began a career at the intersection of scientific innovation and digital communications. Speaking these two different languages, he became an effective champion of improving health through new solutions to critical challenges: first in the fight against childhood pneumonia and then in combating the global tuberculosis epidemic through the development of new, effective vaccines.Through cross-functional and international collaborations across therapeutic areas and industries, his work educated new audiences and sparked meaningful actions.
In his current role as Marketing Director at ZyMōt Fertility (DxNow, Inc.), Matt thinks about the challenges facing reproductive medicine and the need for transformative innovations to reach people, to improve and create lives.
Through his experiences as a scientist, communicator and as a patient, Matt is focused on how focusing on sperm health can help clinics, healthcare providers and patients in their fertility journey.

Aimilia Vorniotaki, BSC,

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Hands-On Expert

Aimilia Vorniotaki is a Technologist in the Medical Laboratory with many years of experience in the IVF laboratory.
She graduated in 2009 from the Department of Medical Laboratory Technologists of the Technological Educational Institute of Larissa where she gained a distinction in her diploma thesis on ‘Estrogen-Prolactin'
From 2009 to 2011, she worked in microbiology laboratories in both state hospitals and private diagnostic centers in Thessaloniki.

Since 2011, she has been a member of the laboratory team at Embryolab, while in 2017 obtained the certificate in specialized education in the branch of Human Reproduction at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Eleni Taki, BSC, M.Res.

Biologist,

Hands-On Expert

Eleni Takis is a biologist. She graduated from the Aristotle University School of Biology in 2009, pursued postgraduate studies at the University of Newcastle (MRes in Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine), and in 2017 completed his Master's Degree Program in Human Behavioral Therapy. .
She has worked at a Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cell Cryopreservation Bank, as well as a research fellow at the National Research Foundation.

She has been a member of Embryolab's laboratory team since October 2017.

Hatzianastasiou Athina, BSC

Biologist,

Hands-On Expert

Athina Chatzianastasiou is a biologist specialized in research methods in male infertility. She graduated from the Department of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in 2010.
From 2011 she worked in private companies in Thessaloniki with a specialization in Biology.
In 2014, she completed her internship at Embryolab and since than she has officially joined the laboratory group of the Clinic.

Mehmet Engin Enginsu, MD, PhD

IVF Consultant

Speaker

Enginsu was born in Turkey in 1962. After finishing his studies in University of Ankara Faculty of Medicine and became a Medical Doctor in1988, he moved to The Netherlands and started to work as research assistant in University of Limburg Faculty of Medicine, Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics department, Maastricht, He started to work in the IVF unit due to his research on “Male Infertility” and his Ph.D. thesis titled “Morphology and function of human spermatozoa” was accepted on April 1988. He was invited to work on “Micromanipulation with laser” project to Brussels, Catholic University of Leuven, St Luc Hospital in Belgium in May 1994.
In March 1995 he was invited to Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynecology Department as IVF laboratory director for the set up of micromanipulation unit and worked as an instructor. In January 1996 he moved to Istanbul to set up an IVF laboratory in American Hospital and worked there as the laboratory director. He then worked in International Hospital, Metropolitan Florence Nightingale Hospital, Şİşli Memorial Hospital as laboratory director between 1997 and 2004.
Dr. Enginsu have also worked in setting up the IVF unit for Kalamış Tıp Merkezi Istanbul.
Between March 2005 to January 2017 he worked as the director of the IVF unit in KadıköyŞifa Hospital Istanbul.
Between March 2018 to March 2019 he worked as the Laboratory Director in LIV Hospital Ulus in Istanbul.

He is currently working with Femina Women’s Health Clinic for IVF patients. Dr Enginsu has his own consultanting firm and working as a consultant for medical companies and IVF clinics both in national and international terms.

Aikaterini Moutou, BSc, PHD

Associate Professor of Biochemistry & Biotechnology UoT

Speaker

Katerina Moutou holds a Bachelor of Biology from Aristotle University of Technology (1991) and a PhD in Fish Physiology from Aberdeen University, Great Britain (1996).
Dr Moutou has been an EU Research Fellow at the University of Algarve, Portugal (1997-1998) and subsequently a lecturer in Teaching Science 4040/80 at the University of Thessaly (1998-2003) where he has served as a faculty member of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology from 2003 until today.
Dr Mutu has participated in 12 COST Research Programs and Actions and has contributed to 37 publications in peer-reviewed journals with more than 500 cross-references and h-index 11.
She is a reviewer of a number of international scientific journals and research funding bodies such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, UK and the European Research Framework Programs (FP7, H2020).
She has been a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Commission on the Evaluation and Evaluation of the Impact of FP7-funded Research Programs on the EU-funded KBBE Projects' Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology in the area of “Food, Agriculture, Fisheries and Biotechnology” (FAFB) and is currently a member of the Committee of Experts of the European Commission on the evaluation and evaluation of the impact of research programs that are funded within the program of Societal Challenge 2 “Food Security, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Marine, Maritime and Inland Water Research and the Bioeconomy”.

Astrid Stecher, MSC, ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologist

Lab Director of NextClinic IVF Centers Prof. H. Zech Bregenz

Speaker

Mrs Astrid Stecher is an ESHRE-certified Senior Clinical Embryologist and has a long experience in ART, both in practical work and organizational issues and topics.
She has been working in IVF Center Prof. H. Zech since 1995, which has been steadily expanding through all the years.
She is member of a team that has already established several laboratories.
A main focus is the cooperation with other laboratories for optimization and standardization, trouble shooting and comparison of KPIs, but also scientific cooperation.
Since 2008 she is certified as ESHRE Senior Clinical Embryologist.
Her main interest is the optimization of embryo culture, severe male factor infertility and quality management in the ART laboratory.
She has co-organized several national and international workshops on various ART topics.
She is a board member of the Austrian Society for Reproduction and Endocrinology and of the "EmbryologenForum Austria".
She is a member of the Swiss Society for Reproductive Medicine (SGRM, SWICE), the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE) and inspector for the ESHRE ART Center Certification for Good Clinical Practices.
Astrid has been invited to speak at national and international conferences and is the author and co-author of many scientific articles, conference papers and book contributions.
She is still fascinated of ART and enjoys the progress in this field.
It is one of the best tasks in the world to help people become parents.

Alpesh Doshi, BSc (Hons), MSc, DipRCPath, UK

Co-Founder/ Director/ Consultant Embryologist IVF London

Panelist

Alpesh is a consultant Clinical Embryologist and a co-founder of IVF London. He is also a co-founder and director of the Embryology and PGD Academy. Alpesh previously worked at the Centre for Reproductive and Genetic Health in the leading capacity as a Director of Embryology for 19 years and was pivotal in optimising the success rates. He was also an honorary consultant at the Reproductive Medicine Unit at UCLH NHS Trust. He holds a postgraduate degree in Human Reproductive Medicine and has qualified from the prestigious Imperial College School of Medicine.

Alpesh is a Diplomate of the Royal College of Pathologists and also a ESHRE certified Senior Embryologist. He has been an executive committee member of several international embryology societies and holds a very active interest in promoting education platforms through these professional bodies. He was among the first scientists to bring the egg and embryo freezing technology of ‘vitrification’ to the UK in 2007. He is a world renowned expert in the biopsy of human embryos for genetic testing.

Alpesh has authored several papers in high impact journals and written several book chapters in addition to being an honorary lecturer at University College London where he teaches embryology on two of the Masters courses. He has been an invited speaker in many international conferences and workshops as well as several Health chat shows on television including Zee TV and ITV’s This morning. Alpesh has a special interest in fertility preservation, preimplantation genetic diagnosis and genome editing of embryos.

Bryan Woodward, FRCPath, PhD

Director of X & Y Fertility, Leicester, UK

Speaker

Dr Bryan Woodward is a free-lance reproductive scientist who specializes in trouble-shooting fertility clinics to improve andrology and embryology services. He has worked as a consultant for over 50 IVF clinics in countries across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Caribbean. He offers hands-on andrology and embryology training as required and also advises on Quality Management.

In 2008, he was awarded a PhD (University of Nottingham, UK) entitled ‘Trans-species study of factors affecting ICSI’. In the same year he was certified by ESHRE as a Senior Clinical Embryologist and by the Royal College of Pathology (UK) as a Fellow.
In 2016, he established X&Y Fertility in Leicester, UK, as a clinic to help treat male fertility. He is also the HFEA Person Responsible at the London branch of the European Sperm Bank.
In the UK, Bryan has served on the Executive Committees of the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) and the Association of Biomedical Andrologists (ABA). He is currently the Coordinator of the ESHRE Steering Committee for Embryologist Certification.
He has co-edited books in the field of ART including “Troubleshooting and Problem Solving in the IVF laboratory”; “Male Infertility Sperm Diagnosis, Management and Delivery”; and “Female Infertility: Core Principles and Clinical Management”.
Bryan Woodward is also a keen mountaineer, having climbed two of the world’s highest peaks: Mt Aconcagua (Argentina) and Mt Elbrus (Russia).

Achilleas Papatheodorou, PhD., M.Med.Sc.

Embryolab Lab Director, Senior Clinical Embryologist, ESHRE certified,

Speaker

Mr. Achilleas Papatheodorou is a senior clinical embryologist with an experience of more than 20.000 cycles in assisted reproduction (ART), among which a great number of cases with severe male infertility and application of embryo biopsy for Preimplantation Genetic Testing.

His scientific interests focus mainly on the aspects of vitrification technique on human oocytes, embryos and the cryopreservation of human spermatozoa.
In 2004, Mr. Achilleas Papatheodorou graduated from school of Biology, in Aristotle’s University of Thessaloniki, Greece.
In 2005 he received his Master of Medical Sciences (M.Med.Sci.) degree in Assisted Reproduction Technology (University of Nottingham, UK).
In 2016 he was awarded with a PhD Degree from the Medical School of University of Ioannina. His PhD research project was the Clinical application of vitrification technique for cryopreserving human oocytes.
In 2017 he was certified by ESHRE as senior Clinical Embryologist.
Achilleas Papatheodorou has worked as a clinical embryologist in Thessaloniki, Athens, Albania and Italy. Additionally, he has worked as a scientific consultant of the IVF laboratory of San Carlo Hospital in Potenza, Italy. He has visited plenty of IVF clinics in Italy sharing his knowledge and technology with their embryology and andrology stuff.
Achilleas has done numerous oral presentations in conferences and hands on workshops and at he same time is involved in research projects and training for all the modern ART lab techniques and is the author of a number of scientific articles, posters and chapters.
He is a member of the European Society of Human Reproduction (ESHRE), the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), and the Greek Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) in which currently he serves as a vice-president.
From 2019 he is working in Embryolab, Fertility Clinic as Senior Clinical Embryologist.

Stella Sgoura, BSc

Laboratory Technologist

Medical Laboratory Technologist

Sgoura Stella is a Medical Laboratory Technologist, who specialises in vitro fertilisation techniques.

Stella has graduated from the Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences of the University of Thessaly, in 2005. During her final year she completed her practice in the Heamatology Department of the Hippocratio General Hospital of Thessaloniki, where she continued to work voluntarily until 2006.

In 2006 she became a member of the laboratory team of Embryolob where she was gradually trained in all aspects of the laboratory techniques.

Stella is an active member of the Embryolab Academy and has participated in all workshops held in Greece by the Academy (“Fluorescent in Situ Hybridisation on human Sperm”, “Cryopreservation of gamete, embryos and reproductive tissue: daily practice in your lab and clinic”, “Quality and Risk management in your IVF laboratories: from theory to practice”, Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis”).

During the academic year 2014/2015 Stella attended and received qualification for the supplementary program of specialized education of the National and Kapodistraiko University of Athens, titled “Human Reproduction”.

Ioannis Papoulidis, BSc, MSc, ErCLG

Speaker

Clinical Laboratory Geneticist

Mr. Ioannis Papoulidis hold a Biotechnology degree from the University of Abertay Dundee in Great Britain, an MSc degree in applied genetics and biotechnology and a Clinical Laboratory Geneticist specialty title recognised by the European Board of Medical Genetics (EBMG).
His scientific and research interests focus on molecular diagnostics which is the subject of his doctoral thesis and has been retrained in numerous domestic and abroad laboratories in implementing methods for the diagnosis of genetic diseases.
He has participated in several national and international conferences related to genetics as a guest speaker as well as with written and oral presentations, and has been a member of relevant committees.
His scientific work has been published in numerous articles of internationally recognized scientific journals.
In April 2006 has been the founder and chairman of the board of the company Eurogenetica S.A. and director of molecular genetics laboratories, cytogenetic and biochemical genetics of the same company, until December 2014.
From December 2012 until December 2014 was vice president of the board and chief executive of the scientific services company NEOLAB S.A.
Today he is the director of laboratories in Thessaloniki and legal representative of the genetic center “ATG – Access To Genome“.

Marianna Papadopoulou, BSc

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified

Marianna Papadopoulou is a clinical biologist. She graduated in 2012 from the Department of Biology of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. In 2011, she started her internship at Embryolab.
In 2012, she conducted her research project on male infertility at the Institute of Reproductive Sciences of the University of Oxford in Great Britain.
Upon completing her studies she became a member of the Embryolab laboratory team, where she was trained in all up-to-date laboratory techniques of IVF and cryopreservation.
Marianna attends scientific conferences and is briefed on all the latest developments in assisted reproduction. She actively participates and supports all the actions and conferences organized by the Embryolab Academy.
Since 2016 she has been certified by ESHRE as a Clinical Embryologist.

Mary Karagianni, BSc, MSc

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist

Mary Karagianni graduated from the Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her Master degree in ‘Reproductive-Regenerative Medicine’ in the Department of the Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.
Her theses in each degree are related with a) DNA fragmentation of human spermatozoa and b) in vitro maturation of oocytes (IVM) and vitrification of oocytes.
She has been working in medically assisted reproduction Clinics since 2010 in Thessaloniki and Athens and was Lab director of the embryology and andrology laboratory for 6 years. In 2017 she became a member of the Embryolab team.
She is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) as well as European Society of Human for Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) from 2013.

Chara Oraiopoulou, BSc, MRes

Speaker

Biologist, Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified.

Chara Oraiopoulou is a clinical embryologist with long experience in the field of assisted reproduction. She is specialized in the kinetic analysis of embryonic development using a time-lapse system and in preparing embryos for PGT.
Chara graduated in 2006 from the Department of Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and completed her postgraduate studies in “Reproductive Biology” at the Medical College of the University of Glasgow, Great Britain.
Between 2009 and 2010, she worked at a company specializing in the isolation and cryopreservation of human stem cells in Thessaloniki.
Since 2010, she has been a member of the laboratory team of clinical embryologists at Embryolab. In 2013 she obtained certification as a clinical embryologist from the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).
She is a member of the Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists (PEKE) as well as the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE).

Chara participates actively as a trainer in all of Embryolab Academy’s activities.

Glykeria Samolada, BSc, MSc

Co-Founder

Biologist, ErGenetic counselor, Molecular Cytogenetics

Glykeria Samolada is a Biologist specialized in molecular cytogenetics, genetic counselling with experience in the field of assisted reproduction and low fertility.

Glykeria’s scientific interests focus mainly on male infertility, special chromosomal rearrangements which may affect fertility as well as counselling on preimplantation genetic diagnosis and prenatal checks. Also, the management of genetic examinations and information concerning hereditary abnormalities and diseases and counselling of similar cases and families represents an important area of activity.

She is a member of EBMG (European Board of Medical Genetics/EuroGenetic Counsellor).

She is Head of the Cytogenetic Laboratory at Embryolab and is an accredited Genetic Counselor.

Glykeria is married with 2 children. Her interests include genetics, poetry and philosophy. She enjoys travelling and nature. She is always on the move, being a creative and enquiring person; this is the reason why she passionately seeks out answers to fundamental questions of human existence, using with precision the tools and potential of the science of genetics. She supports the science that supports people!

Martha Moysidou, BSc, MSc

Speaker

Biologist, Senior Clinical Embryologist ESHRE Certified, Deputy Laboratory Manager

Martha Moysidou is a biologist - clinical embryologist with both clinical and research experience. Her clinical work counts up to 15,000 cycles so far.
Martha has completed her bachelor’s degree at the University of Essex, Colchester, UK in 1998. She completed her master’s degree in Human reproductive Biology at Imperial College, London, UK and graduated with Distinction in 1999.
She has received her basic embryology training at the Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK until the summer of 2002. During that time she was also actively involved in the chromosomal screening of pre-implantation embryos for patients undergoing PGD/PGT-A using the FISH method.
In 2002 Martha returned to Greece and has worked as a clinical embryologist in both Athens and Thessaloniki expanded her knowledge and expertise on the field of assisted reproduction. Her main field of interest has been the clinical application of PGD/PGT-A and severe male infertility (TESE, FNA and OAT).
In 2008 she became a member of the Embryolab team and in 2015 she has become the Deputy Laboratory manager. During that time she haw also actively participated in the Embryolab Academy workshops (both in the organizing committee and as an instructor) and in numerous publications and oral presentations.
Martha is an active member of ESHRE (European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology) since 2002, PEKE (Pan-Hellenic Association of Clinical Embryologists) since 2005 and ACE (Association of Clinical Embryologists, UK) since 2018.

Nicholas Christoforidis, MD, MSc, FRCOG

Co-Founder and Board Member of Embryolab Academy

Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Embryolab's Clinical and Scientific Director.

Dr Nicholas Christoforidis is a Consultant Obstetrician & Gynaecologist with a sub-specialization in Reproductive Medicine and Assisted Reproductive Techniques.

He graduated the School of Medicine of the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, Greece in 1995 and trained thereafter in Obstetrics and Gynaecology in the United Kingdom from 1995 until 2003. In 2001 he was appointed as a Fellow in the Imperial College, London, in the IVF Unit of Hammersmith Hospital, where he trained extensively in the investigation and management of infertility and assisted reproduction techniques.

He is the Clinical and Scientific Director of Embryolab Fertility Clinic, Thessaloniki, Greece, since 2004 with a considerable and long experience in all aspects of investigation and treatment of fertility disorders, focusing on evidence-based practices and highlighting critical aspects of risk management. He is co-founder of the Embryolab Academy, a nonprofit organization, which aims to guide Fertility specialists and IVF units to grow in a systematic, effective and safe way, through continuous training and sharing of sound practices.

He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, UK, and a member of European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) and the American Society of Reproductive Medicine (ASRM).

Alexia Chatziparasidou, MSc, PMI-RMP

Co-Founder and Director of Embryolab Academy

Consultant Clinical Embryologist, Co-Founder of Embryolab Fertility Clinic.

Mrs. Alexia Chatziparasidou is a Consultant Clinical Embryologist with an experience of more than 45.000 cycles in assisted reproduction (ART). Her scientific interests focus mainly on the application of modern oocyte and embryo freezing methods and treating male sub-fertility and azoospermia. Since 2007 she has developed a special interest in efficient Total Quality Management (TQM) and Risk Management (RM) in ART units in the context of process optimization and standardization and the implementation of risk mitigation strategies.

In 2004, Mrs Chatziparasidou co-founded Embryolab, a well-known and modern state of the art fertility clinic, located in Thessaloniki Greece.

In 2007 she was awarded with her Master degree (MSc) on Clinical Embryology (Leeds University) and in 2008 she was certified by ESHRE as senior Clinical Embryologist.

In 2013 she co-founded Embryolab Academy and co-organized a series of international workshops on TQM and RM for ART units, cryopreservation and Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGT).

In 2020 she was certified with the PMI Risk Management Professional diploma.

Alexia Chatziparasidou travels the world as invited speaker in conferences and hands on workshops, is actively involved in research projects and training for all the modern ART lab techniques and is the author of a number of scientific articles, posters and chapters.

Her latest project is her thesis under the title: “The genetic basis of Azoospermia- The mystery that needs to be unraveled” in collaboration with the University of Thessaly. The aim of this project is to shed light in the genetic basis of azoospermia and set the basis for the development of personalized therapeutic options for men suffering from azoospermia.

Alexia Chatziparasidou enjoys to spend time with family and friends. She regards herself as very fortunate for being able to live her passion for science and be a part of all the latest scientific developments in the field of assisted reproduction but above all she feels extremely blessed for being able to serve and support men and women in their most wonderful journey. The journey to parenthood!

Universidad de La Matanzaandthe Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Airesin collaboration withEmbryolab Academyare organising

IVth Annual Symposiumof the Assisted Reproduction Programmeof the Province of Buenos Aires

Quality and Risk Management in IVF laboratories

4 and 5 December 2014Universidad de la Matanza

Symposium Objectives

Target Audience

Program

Symposium Organisers

Symposium Directors

Symposium Coordinators

Speakers

Martine Nijs

Alexia Chatziparasidou

Hubert Joris

Nicolás Garrido Puchalt

David Morroll

Gustavo Martinez

Ricardo Asch

Symposium Programme

Programme Wednesday 3 December 2014

Symposium Welcome Reception

Programme Thursday 4 December 2014

Morning Session

Programme Thursday 4 December 2014

Afternoon Session Quality Control in the laboratory

Programme Friday 5 December 2014

Morning Session

Programme Friday 5 December 2014

Afternoon Break out Session Brains-on: ‘Bring your troubles to us and we will ’shoot’ them!’

General Information

Symposium Registration

Symposium Secretariat

Symposium Venue

Symposium language

Liability

Sponsors

Michalis Kyriakidis MD, M.Sc.

Polyzos

F. Malamas

Marina Dimitraki M.D., MSc., M.H.A., PhD, EFOG-EBCOG

Sotirios Saravelos

Prof Benedictus (Dick) Schoot MD, phD

Prof Panagiotis Drakopoulos, MD, pHD

Inmaculda Moreno, pHD

Alexis Adler, USA

MARÍA JOSÉ DE LOS SANTOS, PhD

Education and Training:

Roberta Maggiulli, PhD, MSc

Alessandra Alteri, PhD, MSc

Keshav Malhotra, MBBS MCE

Dean Morbeck, PhD, HCLD (ABB)

Kelly Tilleman, PHD, MSc

Miki Belenky MSc

Matthew Feldman MSc, MA

Aimilia Vorniotaki, BSC,

Eleni Taki, BSC, M.Res.

Hatzianastasiou Athina, BSC

Mehmet Engin Enginsu, MD, PhD

Aikaterini Moutou, BSc, PHD

Astrid Stecher, MSC, ESHRE certified Clinical Embryologist

Alpesh Doshi, BSc (Hons), MSc, DipRCPath, UK

Bryan Woodward, FRCPath, PhD

Achilleas Papatheodorou, PhD., M.Med.Sc.

Stella Sgoura, BSc

Ioannis Papoulidis, BSc, MSc, ErCLG

Marianna Papadopoulou, BSc

Mary Karagianni, BSc, MSc

Chara Oraiopoulou, BSc, MRes

Glykeria Samolada, BSc, MSc

Biologist, ErGenetic counselor, Molecular Cytogenetics

Martha Moysidou, BSc, MSc

Nicholas Christoforidis, MD, MSc, FRCOG

Alexia Chatziparasidou, MSc, PMI-RMP

Universidad de La Matanza
and
the Ministerio de Salud de la Provincia de Buenos Aires
in collaboration with
Embryolab Academy
are organising

IVth Annual Symposium
of the Assisted Reproduction Programme
of the Province of Buenos Aires

4 and 5 December 2014
Universidad de la Matanza