PG27: Human Embryology And Andrology For Physicians (Sunday)

Presenters

Supporters

Developed in Cooperation with the American Association of Bioanalysts

ACGME COMPETENCY
Medical knowledge 

NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND COURSE DESCRIPTION
A complete and thorough understanding of male and female reproductive physiology as well as laboratory andrology and assisted reproductive technology (ART) laboratory techniques are essential to any clinician working in the field of reproduction but are critical for a successful ART clinical practice. This live course will provide residents, fellows, physicians, nurses, and ART laboratory personnel with a greater understanding of the principles related to reproduction and those factors necessary for ART clinical success. An overview of male and female reproductive functions will be presented covering topics from the hypothalamic gonadal axis to gamete and embryo biology. Other areas of presentation will include cryobiology and cryopreservation principles, genetic factors affecting reproduction in humans, preimplantation genetic diagnosis, and regulatory issues related to ART. Heavy emphasis will be given to the biology/physiology behind the processes.

Poor understanding of reproductive biology and physiology makes it impossible for a clinician to provide his/her patients with the best possible care. This course will familiarize the participant with the essential anatomical and physiological components to ensure the production of viable human male and female gametes. The participant will learn how mature male and female gametes are produced as well as how they arrive at the point of fertilization, how they interact to bring about fertilization and oocyte activation, and how the fertilized zygote develops through the stages of preimplantation development. Participants will come away with a firm understanding of the various tests used in semen analysis testing and the physiological basis for these tests. Additionally, the participants will learn the limitation of the embryo selection process, how to perform proficient embryo transfer procedures to optimize pregnancy, and the physiology and mechanisms behind ovarian stimulation protocols. Ample time will be allowed for discussion and interaction to further the participant's knowledge base and disseminate information. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the conclusion of this course, participants should be able to:

1. Review male and female reproductive physiology and identify areas that are critical for successful ART.
2. Explain semen analysis procedures and what the analysis results may indicate clinically.
3. Discuss cryobiology principles and techniques and how these principles and techniques are applied to ART.
4. Identify critical steps within the ART process where quality control and quality assurance impact outcomes.
5. Formulate practical quality control and quality assurance programs for the ART clinic and laboratory. 
6. Review regulatory issues related to ART clinics and laboratories and discuss how these regulations may be implemented and compliance documented.