ASRM 2007 Annual Meeting 
Preliminary Program

Symposia
Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday
SMRU Mini-Symposia | SRS Telesurgery
Video Sessions

MONDAY, OCTOBER 15

MANAGEMENT 102: ASSESSING EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE
A joint symposium organized by the Association of Reproductive Managers and the Nurses Professional Group

Monday, October 15, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Sherie Everhart
Presenters: Sharon G. Edwards, R.N., B.S.N., Rita Gruber, B.A.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Assessing employee performance is far too often left for the year-end review period, at which time both the employer and employee have two very different perceptions of the employee’s work performance. It is essential that REI managers be clear and unambiguous about the goals and objectives set for the employee and properly assess employee performance for a more efficient practice.

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

1. Implement an effective performance management process.

2. Identify tools for assessing employee performance (i.e. evaluations).

3. Provide effective feedback to the employee to address re-training, discipline, reassignment, and/or termination.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE - MEDICAL, LEGAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECTS OF GESTATIONAL SURROGACY 
Mental Health Professional Group

Monday, October 15, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Melissa B. Brisman, J.D.
Presenters: Melissa B. Brisman, J.D., Judith Kottick, M.S.W., Susan L. Trieser, M.D., Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: At the present time, there are no standardized guidelines for reproductive arrangements that use gestational surrogacy. This symposium brings together the important interrelated aspects of surrogacy in order to help professionals evaluate the candidates for the process and avoid potential problems involved in surrogacy cases.

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

1. Describe the complexities of running a gestational carrier program.

2. Recognize potential problems in gestational carrier arrangements.

3. Appreciate the state-by-state legal climate for gestational carriers and intended parents.

THROMBOPHILIA AND RECURRENT PREGNANCY LOSS
Program Chair’s Choice

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Shayne M. Plosker, M.D.
Debaters: Michael J. Paidas, M.D., William H. Kutteh, M.D., Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Recurrent pregnancy loss presents a challenge to clinicians -- diagnostic evaluation typically reveals no discernable abnormality, and empiric treatment carries significant risks to mother and conceptus. During this session, experts will review current evidence and share their clinical experience. The audience will participate through discussion of cases.

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

1. Cite causes of recurrent pregnancy loss during the first trimester.

2. Cite causes of recurrent pregnancy loss during the second trimester.

3. Review diagnostic and treatment algorithms for the management of recurrent pregnancy loss.

OPTIMIZING CONTROLLED OVARIAN STIMULATION FOR EMBRYO QUALITY
Program Chair’s Choice

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: David Frankfurter, M.D.
Debaters: Barry Bavister, Ph.D., David R. Meldrum, M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Controlled ovarian stimulation is a cornerstone of ART, yet little is known about its effect on egg and embryo quality. On one hand, the availability of more embryos might improve the chance that a normal embryo will be available for implantation. On the other hand, controlled ovarian stimulation itself may have detrimental effects on the quality of individual eggs and embryos. What can we learn from translational research, which enables controlled experiments to sort out these effects? How does the thoughtful clinician stimulate IVF patients to optimize
embryo quality? A translational basic researcher and an experienced, academic reproductive endocrinologist will team to address this important topic. Clinical cases will be used to stimulate discussion with the audience.

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

1. Describe the effects of controlled ovarian stimulation on embryo quality in animal models.

2. Outline the goals of controlled ovarian stimulation in IVF patients. 

3. Integrate principles from translational and clinical research, as well as from clinical experience, to develop an informed strategy to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF.

EARLY PREGNANCY - MODERN PRACTICE AND EVIDENCE
ESHRE

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Herman Tournaye, M.D., Ph.D.
Presenters: Willem M. Ankum, M.D., Ph.D., Roy G. Farquharson, M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The role of evidence-based practice in early pregnancy care has led to the development of robust guidelines in many areas. The expanded portfolio of treatment options and the appearance of patient choice has driven the changes and placed considerable pressure on doctors dealing with the dilemmas of early pregnancy complications. Allied to these changes and pressures, the emergence of early pregnancy units has enhanced and enriched patient care quality. The following topics and speakers have been at the forefront of these developments and offer a sound base for practice allied to clear and understandable patient care.

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

1. Assimilate modern evidence based practice in early pregnancy care.

2. Describe diagnostic protocols and algorithms and systematic review analysis of common early pregnancy complications.

3. List recent randomized controlled trials.

ALL GOD’S CHILDREN: FAITH STORIES OF SUFFERING AND BLESSING IN ART
Mental Health Professional Group

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Cynthia A. Ziemer, M.Div., Psy.D.
Presenters: Marcia C. Inhorn, Ph.D., M.P.H., Maura A. Ryan, Ph.D., Rabbi Gideon Weitzman, Cynthia A. Ziemer, M.Div., Psy.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: With ever-changing and expanding technological and clinical advances in reproductive medicine, clinicians and patients are challenged daily to make profound ethical decisions while, at the same time, attempting to achieve their physical and psychological goals. Patients can better prepare for treatment when they are able to integrate the spiritual issues inherent in their personal and medical experience. This symposium will examine various spiritual issues encountered in the experience of Assisted Reproductive Technology from theological, pastoral care, medical humanities, and bioethical perspectives.

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

1. Recognize theological themes and religious perspectives that can influence patients’ decisions around treatment with Assisted Reproductive Technology.

2. Describe spiritual issues faced by those seeking meaning during fertility loss and family building.

3. Consider how one’s own spiritual beliefs and values as a professional interface with those of culturally and spiritually diverse patients.

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FERTIQOL: DEVELOPMENT AND USES OF THE INTERNATIONAL QUALITY OF LIFE QUESTIONNAIRE

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Jacky Boivin., Ph.D.
Presenters: Janet E. Takefmann, Ph.D., Andrea M. Braverman, Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: This symposium will introduce FertiQoL. We will discuss the inception, methodology and final product of the instrument. We will highlight its use as a clinical and research tool for mental health and medical professionals. It has become increasingly clear that psychological factors are an important aspect to consider in fertility treatments. Emotional variables come into play in terms of the psychological effects of treatment itself, the influence of psychological factors on treatment parameters (e.g., initiation, drop-out, outcome) and the impact of treatment failure or success on adjustment and quality of life. One reliable finding is that psychological influences can best be captured by assessment tools that focus specifically on feelings about infertility rather than more global assessments of adjustment such as depression or anxiety. Unfortunately, only a few infertility-specific measures currently exist, and of those, none are considered standard, and most have not been normalized or demonstrate poor psychometric properties. Thus, it is clear that an instrument that can evaluate fertility quality of life, which is internationally accepted as the standard, would be invaluable in helping us understand the needs of our patients and offer better care. The efforts of the European and American fertility societies (ESHRE & ASRM) and Merck Serono International SA combined their resources and expertise to support the creation of such an instrument. A group of psychologists and methodologists then formed a working task force to develop this measure, called FertiQol. The significance of FertiQoL is that it has been designed to define precisely the emotional burden of infertility and its treatment without needing a large battery of general questionnaires. Such precision should allow medical teams to better understand psychosocial issues that can interfere with treatment initiation and maintenance. FertiQol is also groundbreaking because it will allow teams operating in different countries and cultures to use the same valid and sensitive psychosocial measure, facilitating cross-country comparisons and research collaboration.

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

1. Summarize the development of FertiQoL.

2. Identify the psychological domains affected by infertility and its treatments.

3. Identify potential uses of the FertiQoL measure in clinical and research settings.

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CPT CODING FOR REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY PRACTICES IN 2007
CPT Coding and Reimbursement Committee

Monday, October 15, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: John T. Queenan, Jr., M.D.
Presenters: George A. Hill, M.D., John T. Queenan, Jr., M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The AMA issues updates annually for both CPT procedure codes and ICD-9 diagnosis codes. Knowledge of these changes is crucial for physicians and practice managers. The rules for proper coding are numerous and intricate. As a result, mistakes and missed opportunities are common. Members of the ASRM/CPT Coding Committee will conduct a symposium that educates ASRM members about proper coding for 2007 and 2008. 

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

1. Describe recent changes in CPT procedure codes.

2. Use newly designed ICD-9 Diagnosis Codes to the best advantage.

3. Optimize reimbursement and minimize rejected claims.

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TUESDAY, OCTOBER 16

FROM CELLS TO SUPER BABIES
Mental Health Professional Group

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Moderator: Elaine Gordon, Ph.D.
Debaters: Patricia A. Mendell, L.C.S.W., David Plotz, Author of The Genius, Factory and editor of Slate Magazine, Julianne E. Zweifel, Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: In a culturally-driven desire for success, beauty, and intelligence, some parents attempt to enhance their family qualities when they select donor gametes. This symposium will cover the development of this and look at the outcome in children born from “superior” gametes. It also looks at the future of gamete banks as new technology allows for embryo donation and egg freezing.

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

1. Describe how the use of donor gametes has evolved from a discreet medical procedure to providing market driven services along with the gametes.

2. Help couples select appropriate gametes or donors based on the information available, as well as when to reject a potential donor candidate.

3. Understand that genetics and nature still keep most babies on the bell curve of human qualities even with outstanding marketing and the desire of parents for superior children.

UNANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: WHEN DISCLOSURE IS MORE THAN A PROCESS
Nurses Professional Group

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Elizabeth B. West, R.N.C., B.S.N.
Presenters: Geri Amori, Ph.D., Elizabeth B. West, R.N.C., B.S.N.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Disclosure is a hot topic in healthcare. It arouses concerns about appropriateness, liability, vulnerability, and value. The American Nurses Association Code of Ethics, the AMA Code of Medical Ethics, the American College of Physicians Ethics manual and the JCAHO Standards manual all address disclosure. We no longer debate our responsibility to disclose; instead we now focus on how best to implement it. This symposium will present a model for looking at disclosure as both a technical process and as part of the essential art of patient communication.
The speakers will address why, when and how to practice disclosure effectively, with special emphasis on the unique challenges encountered in providing reproductive care.

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

1. Discuss the framework for disclosure of unanticipated outcomes, including when to disclose, what to disclose and what is known about the benefits and pitfalls of disclosure.

2. Discuss the specific application of disclosure technique in reproductive health care.

3. Apply a disclosure model to facilitate effective disclosure discussions and the development of institution-specific policies.

COST CONTAINMENT IN REI PRACTICE: FUNDAMENTAL AND ADVANCED CONCEPTS 
The Association for Reproductive Managers

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Steven C. Gerson, C.P.A.
Presenters: Denise Kemp, M.S., C.M.P.E., David Sharpell, B.S.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The REI manager faces a multitude of financial issues on a daily basis, from identifying costs and expenses to the operational challenges of measuring and evaluating them. This symposium will explore the multi-faceted role of the manager as financial planner and optimizer by looking at the various fundamental aspects of measuring costs, inventory control, managing staff expenses, and negotiating with vendors, to the advanced issues of benchmarking, monitoring matrices, and innovative methods of cost containment.

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

1. Describe essential tools for measuring costs and evaluating expenses.

2. Identify common expenses and demonstrate appropriate methods to control expenses.

3. Discuss the use of benchmarking and matrices in cost containment. 

4. Understand the relationship between cost containment measures and successful practice management.

ANONYMITY AND DISCLOSURE: BALANCING THE INTERESTS OF DONORS AND OFFSPRING
Ken Ryan Ethics Symposium

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Robert G. Brzyski, M.D., Ph.D.
Presenters: Andrea M. Braverman, Ph.D., Heather M. Rone, B.S.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The number of children born each year to parents using egg or sperm donation is growing. Gamete donation has traditionally followed a model of anonymity and limited contact among participants, with the gamete donor having little or no involvement with the recipient family over time. However, heightened sensitivity to the interests of offspring in knowing their genetic origins raises concerns about potential conflicts between donor’s independent interests in gamete donation and their responsibilities in addressing the offspring’s potential need for information sharing in the future. This symposium will examine the ethical issues relating to donor interests that may be independent of the interests of the offspring and recipient parents and will explore the donor’s (and by implication, the participating ART program’s) role in balancing the interests of the donor with those of the offspring in matters of future contact.

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

1. Summarize potential conflicts between the interests of donors and offspring with respect to anonymity and information disclosure.

2. Outline strategies ART programs can incorporate to balance donor rights and interests with the interests of offspring of gamete donation.

NEO-OOGENESIS IN THE ADULT OVARY: FACT OR FICTION?
Program Chair’s Choice

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Celso P. Silva, M.D.
Presenters: David F. Albertini, Ph.D., Antonin Bukovsky, M.D., Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: For more than 70 years, reproductive biologists and clinicians have understood that the mammalian ovary harbors a fixed supply of oocytes, which becomes depleted over the life of the animal. Recently, a small group of investigators challenged this understanding. Does sufficient evidence exist to overturn this fundamental concept of mammalian reproductive biology? If not, how can this new data be reinterpreted?

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

1. Review fundamental concepts which support the notion of a fixed supply of oocytes in mammalian females.

2. Review data suggesting new oocytes may by produced in adult ovaries. 

3. Reconcile these competing views by understanding the strengths and weaknesses of the current and new paradigms.

ASRM/ESHRE CONSENSUS ON TREATMENT OF PCOS FOR INFERTILITY

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: R. Jeffrey Chang, M.D.
Presenters: Richard S. Legro, M.D., Basil C. Tarlatzis, M.D., Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is perhaps the most common endocrine disorder and occurs frequently in infertile women. Healthcare providers have the need to know the most up-to-date approaches to treating the infertility present in many women with PCOS. This symposium will discuss the recommendations from an ASRM/ESHRE Consensus Conference held in March 2007 by experts in the treatment of infertile women with PCOS. 

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

1. Develop a treatment algorithm for infertile women with PCOS.

2. Counsel affected patients regarding the likelihood of having a child.

LEGISLATIVE ADVOCACY
A joint symposia organized by the American Society for Reproductive Medicine and the Association of American Law Schools

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Sean Tipton, M.A.
Presenters: Diane Hoffmann, M.S., J.D., Sean Tipton, M.A.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Reproductive medicine, from contraception to ART to menopause, attracts more than its fair share of attention from the public, the media, and thus, policy makers. Understanding the policy-making environment and being able to successfully participate in it, is an essential skill for the reproductive medical professional. This symposium will be of interest to anyone interested in how governments make decisions about reproductive medicine and what they can do about it.

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

1. Develop skills for interacting with, and advocating your position to policy makers.

2. Summarize the current policy and regulations for reproductive medicine.

3. Compare information sources for tracking policy developments.

UPDATE ON CRYOPRESERVATION
Middle East Fertility Society

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Fady I. Sharara, M.D.
Presenters: Barry R. Behr, Ph.D., Michael J. Tucker, Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: New advances in cryopreservation have improved the success of ART in increasing the cumulative pregnancy rates per oocyte retrieval. The most promising technique, vitrification, is applied increasingly for oocytes and embryos. This symposium will review the current state of oocyte, zygote, day three and blastocyst freezing techniques.

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

1. Review the current state of zygote and blastocyst freezing.

2. Review the recent advances in vitrification.

3. Summarize need and evidence-based developments in the field of cryobiology as it relates to human eggs and embryos.

SURGERY VS. UTERINE ARTERY EMBOLIZATION FOR FIBROIDS IN THE TREATMENT OF SYMPTOMATIC WOMEN AND WOMEN DESIRING FERTILITY
Society of Reproductive Surgeons Debate

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
4:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Chair: Ana A. Murphy, M.D.
Presenters: Samantha M. Pfeifer, M.D., James B. Spies, M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Symptoms of leiomyoma may significantly interfere with daily living and be associated with infertility and repeated pregnancy loss. The most commonly performed surgical therapy is myomectomy for women desiring fertility. Embolization of uterine arteries has added an increasingly popular non-surgical method of decreasing uterine size, symptoms and retaining the uterus, thus possibly achieving pregnancy.

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

1. Discuss the risks and benefits of myomectomy, either open or endoscopic, in symptomatic women or those wishing to retain fertility.

2. Describe the relative risks and benefits of uterine artery embolization for management of symptoms and in those wishing to retain fertility.

3. Summarize the relative roles of these two modalities in the treatment of leiomyoma.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 17

PRACTICAL MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHIES: A MULTIDISCIPLINARY APPROACH
Association of Reproductive Managers

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Robin T. Mangieri, M.A.
Presenters: Joanne L. Libraro, B.S.N., Paul A. Verrastro, M.P.A.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: In order to best understand the business of fertility and improve practice management, it is essential that REI managers gain an appreciation for the individual approaches that physicians, nurses and administrators bring to practice management. This workshop will explore these perspectives by presenting approaches to REI practice management philosophies, not only from differing professional positions (medicine, nursing and administration), but from differing REI practice composition (small and large private practice, academic, and institutional health settings). Emphasis will be placed on how to utilize these varying management philosophies to develop the most successful management approach for the individual REI manager.

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

1. Describe the individual approaches that physicians, nurses and administrators bring to practice management.

2. Identify opportunities for uniting multiprofessional disciplines in an REI practice under one united strategy.

3. Describe different REI practice compositions and the unique challenges and opportunities they present for developing a multi-disciplinary approach.

4. Foster a team approach to REI practice management.

EPIGENETICS AND ART
The Nurses Professional Group

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Shirley L. Jones, Ph.D., R.N.C.
Presenters: Lee A. Fallon, M.S., B.A., Shirley L. Jones, Ph.D., R.N.C.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: It is important for nurses to understand the rapidly evolving field of human genetics which impacts day-to-day practice in reproductive medicine. This symposium is designed to enhance the nurse’s understanding of epigenetics and in particular, the impact ART may
have on imprinting disorders. 

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

1. Define epigenetic inheritance systems and imprinting disorders. 

2. Discuss epigenetic modifications and their effects on genes.

3. Discuss implications for the ART patient based on epigenetic factors.

ROLLING THE DICE: COUNSELING IN THE FACE OF UNCERTAINTY - HELPING PATIENTS MAKE SENSE OUT OF GENETIC RISK
A joint symposium presented by the Mental Health Professional Group and the Genetics Counselors Special Interest Group

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Chair: Kris Bevilacqua, Ph.D.
Presenter: Kris Bevilacqua, Ph.D., Sarah E. Zornetzer, M.S.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: When patients are faced with health histories in themselves or gamete donors that cause them to become anxious and uncertain about how to proceed, knowledge about what can be determined through testing can be reassuring. For many patients, the unknown is the source of the greatest concern. This symposium is intended to help health professionals guide patients through the medical and counseling process to an acceptance of what risks can be predetermined and those that will remain as a reasonable risk. 

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

1. Describe what can be determined by genetics and what can’t for patients who are concerned about the health of future children.

2. Explain the genetic influences of diseases commonly seen in gamete donor histories, as well as issues the intended parents face when deciding whether to accept these risks.

3. Have knowledge of common situations faced by prospective parents who are considering PGD, using donor gametes, or other screening in an attempt to avoid potential health risks in future children.

REPRODUCTIVE MANIFESTATIONS OF MEDICAL AND PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINE DISEASES
Program Chair’s Choice

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chair: Paolo F. Rinaudo, M.D., Ph.D.
Presenters: Nelly Pitteloud, M.D., Paul Boepple, M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: Alteration in reproductive function can arise from disorders affecting primarily the reproductive system or secondarily from reproductive manifestations of medical or pediatric endocrine disease. Since the typical reproductive medicine specialist sees patients with these conditions only uncommonly, this session seeks to provide an intensive review of reproductive manifestations of medical and endocrine conditions. 

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

1. Outline pediatric conditions which present as reproductive disorders.

2. Describe adult medical conditions which present as reproductive disorders.

ALTERED OVARIAN FUNCTION
Program Chair’s Choice

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

PART A
2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Chair:  Lawrence M. Nelson, M.D., CDR USPHS, Robert W. Rebar, M.D.
Presenters: Corrine Welt, M.D., Renato Fanchin, M.D., Marcelle I. Cedars, M.D.

PART B
3:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chair: Sharon N. Covington, M.S.W., L.C.S.W.-C., David L. Keefe, M.D.
Presenters: Egbert R. te Velde, M.D., Lee R. Collins, J.D., Richard T. Scott, Jr., M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The evaluation and management of infertile women who experience an impaired response to gonadotropin stimulation is controversial. There is a need to educate practitioners in reproductive medicine regarding this clinical situation.

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

1. Describe the continuum of the decline in ovarian function and methods to quantify it.

2. Discuss the genetics and the epidemiology of the age-related decline in ovarian function.

3. Critique the arguments for and against proceeding with gonadotropin stimulation and in vitro fertilization in women with a very poor prognosis.

ASSISTED REPRODUCTION FOR HIV-DISCORDANT COUPLES
A symposium organized by the Centers for Disease Control

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Chair: Maurizio Macaluso, M.D., Dr.P.H.
Presenter: Augusto Enrico Semprini, M.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: The lifespan of adults who live with HIV has increased, making it feasible for them to have a normal reproductive life and rear children. Improvements in technology also make it feasible for HIV-discordant couples to conceive their biological children minimizing the risk of transmission between partners and from mother to child. In particular, sperm washing combined with intrauterine insemination, or IVF-ET with ICSI, show promise for the management of couples in which the man is HIV-positive. The ASRM Ethics Committee has recently revised its guidelines to allow provision of these services in adequately controlled environments, but highlighted the need for additional evidence on safety. The purpose of this symposium is to review evidence from recent epidemiologic studies, and to discuss the principles that should guide the development of evidence-based reproductive counseling for HIV-discordant couples. 

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

1. Discuss the ethical principles that should guide reproductive counseling for HIV discordant couples.

2. Identify at least two technologies available for assisting HIV-discordant couples with their reproductive needs, and discuss the evidence on the efficacy and safety of each.

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 18

FDA REGULATION UPDATE: CURRENT ISSUES RELATED TO DONOR ELIGIBILITY AND INSPECTIONS
A symposium organized by the Food and Drug Administration

Thursday, October 18, 2007
8:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.

Chair: Martha A. Wells, M.P.H.
Presenter: Jacob F. Mayer, Jr., Ph.D., Mary Malarkey, G. David Ball, Ph.D.

NEEDS ASSESSMENT: This session will clarify current issues related to the FDA's 21 CFR Part 1271 donor eligibility requirements and inspections of reproductive establishments.

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

1. Describe how the donor eligibility requirements apply to their establishments.

2. Explain what inspectional observations are commonly made.

3. Recognize steps they need to take to be in compliance with the requirements.

4. Describe SART’s efforts for development of a Uniform Donor History Interview.

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SMRU Mini-Symposia

Monday, October 15, 2007
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Victoria Cortessis, Ph.D.
“Epigenetics: What it is and How it Relates to Abnormal Reproductive Outcomes”

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Anthony J. Thomas, Jr., M.D.
“Ethical Dilemmas in Male Infertility”

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
4:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Germaine Buck Louis, Ph.D.
“Designing Human Fecundity and Fertility Research - What Every Clinician Should Know”

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SRS Telesurgery

Monday, October 15, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Charles H. Koh, M.D.
“Laparoscopic Myomectomy without a Robot”

Ceana H. Nezhat, M.D.
“Laparoscopic Myomectomy with a Robot”

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Video Sessions

Tuesday, October 16, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
ASRM VIDEOS

Wednesday, October 17, 2007
10:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
AAGL VIDEOS
 
2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
ASRM VIDEOS

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