IVF Clinic Fundamentals

3 units

This course introduces students to the in vitro fertilization (IVF) laboratory through a combination of assigned readings, lectures, laboratory observation, and basic procedure practice (practice is limited to discarded or rodent tissue only). Students will gain a basic understanding of IVF lab design and layout, including policies, procedures, regulations, equipment, and personnel. Under the direction of a Senior Embryologist, students will observe and perform: quality control, Epic data entry, chart review, dish preparation, semen processing, vitrification and warming of embryos, oocyte preparation after retrieval, and cumulus removal. Assessments of procedures will be completed via direct observation of procedural skills (DOPS) by the IVF lab director, and knowledge checks will take place regularly via quarterly quizzes and a final exam. Students will be expected to be present in the IVF lab from the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day, with the exception of the time they will be in their other classes. Weekly lectures, presented by either the IVF lab director or Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility clinical faculty will be at least 30 minutes in duration, followed by time for questions and discussion of the assigned readings. There will also be biweekly check-ins with the lab director to discuss laboratory troubleshooting.