Page 11 - FSANZ WINTER -2022

Education and networking success story
The FSANZ’s Start-Up Training in Assisted Reproductive Technology (START) course has been an outstanding success in engaging people of various disciplines in the operations of fertility units and the importance of patient centred care.
The latest course, held at the Novotel Brighton Beach in Sydney on 28 and 29 May, attracted 180 delegates who welcomed the opportunity to connect face-to-face after the easing of COVID- 19 restrictions.
The START course is designed to engage anyone who is new to assisted reproductive technology including clinicians, embryologists, nurses, counsellors, CEO’s, business managers or receptionists. A patient lead session is also included to relate experiences of their IVF journeys.
Kim O’Dea from the FSA Secretariat said the success of the course was built not only on the excellent education content offered over the two days, but also on the ability for people to interact and network, and share information about their specific roles within fertility units.
“The objective is to overcome the concept of people working in proverbial silos so that there is better integration and understanding of all aspects of infertility treatment with the ultimate focus on quality care to meet the needs and expectations of patients,” she said.
The recent course in Sydney was convened by former FSANZ Board member Sandra Kennedy. The program featured expert speakers covering topics including:
• female and male reproductive physiology;
• principles of ovarian stimulation;
• infertility treatment other than ART;
• laboratory issues;
• patients’ perspectives and the emotional impact of infertility and assisted reproduction;
• donor issues and surrogacy;
‘Award reflects importance of work we all do every day’
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“I always felt that communicating science was not an obligation, but a privilege and so I hope that those of you who have heard me talk can testify that I am indeed passionate about our field and our ongoing commitment to furthering our patients’ chances of having a family.
“On the Queen’s birthday in June, I spent time thinking about how grateful I am to all those people who helped forge my career and to acknowledge that we really are ‘standing on the shoulders of giants.’
“I am truly thankful for, and completely humbled by, this honour. While awards that reflect one’s scientific contributions, such as being elected to the Australian Academy of Science, is what you
Kim O Dea
• procedures involved in ART;
• implantation and early pregnancy;
• fertility preservation for oncology patients;
• genetics;
• regulation of ART;
• recording and measuring outcomes and the ANZARD data base; and
• quality management systems.
A key part of the program was a panel discussion and Q&As on specific disciplines in ART covering medical, laboratory, nursing and counselling matters.
“The response from participants is always positive about creating such a focussed learning environment with outcomes that can be implemented in fertility units to achieve best practice outcomes for patients and staff,” Kim said.
may aspire to professionally, an award that acknowledges your contributions to the society in which we live seems all the more special.
“I was asked the question: Does such an award make you think it’s time to slow down? Actually, my feeling is quite the opposite. This honour has reaffirmed that good science really does help society, and further it highlights the need to continue the training of the next generation of talented professionals who are poised to inherit this truly amazing discipline of human IVF.
“To the many of you who have passed on your heartfelt congratulations, my sincere thanks. I feel that this award truly reflects the importance of the work we all do every day, and that our ability to bring joy to otherwise childless people really is something amazing we all share.”
The next START course is scheduled in Melbourne in February 2023.
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