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Fertility Matters

Dr. Engmann Speaks On Oncofertility

Dr. Engmann recently spoke at a symposium to educate clinical health professionals on current oncofertility research protocols for fertility preservation in male and female cancer patients.

Cancer and its treatment have the ability to reduce or impair the person’s ability to have children. Despite this, fertility preservation options are not routinely presented to patients prior to the start of cancer treatment. In fact, sometimes a patient is never told about this possibility until they try to start having children and run into issues.

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services is a select member of the Oncofertility Research Consortium, an exclusive nationwide group of researchers who are dedicated to the advancement of technologies that will provide improved fertility preserving options to cancer patients with threatened fertility. This special membership allows for participation in and access to the latest clinical research, expanded knowledge of all issues related to cancer treatments and fertility, and to be on the forefront of discovering new technologies and methods that successfully preserve fertility.

Dr. Leah Kaye’s paper published

Congratulations to Dr. Leah Kaye on the publication of her paper entitled Old Habits Die Hard: Retrospective analysis of outcomes with use of corticosteroids and antibiotics prior to Embryo Transfer. View the video synopsis here.

 

Erica Anspach Will, MD, Published in Fertility and Sterility

Congratulations to Erica Anspach Will, MD, a 3rd year REI fellow at the Center and UConn School of Medicine, for her journal article published in Fertility and Sterility this month!

The objective of the article entitled “Increasing awareness of age-related fertility and elective fertility preservation among medical students and house staff: a pre- and post-intervention analysis” was to assess medical students’ and house staff’s knowledge and personal and professional perceptions of age-related fertility and fertility preservation before and after an educational intervention.

The study found that despite professional and personal interest, knowledge of age-related fertility decline and elective fertility preservation is limited among medical students and house staff. This study highlights the need for formal education across all levels of training and specialties, with even brief interventions being of potential benefit.

Additional authors included Bat-Sheva Maslow, MD; Leah Kaye, MD; and John Nulsen, MD from the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT.

 

Now hiring: Ultrasonographer

We are looking for a part time/per diem ultrasonographer

FTE: Part Time/Per diem [7:30am to 9:30 am, MondayFriday]
Date Posted: 5.8.2017

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (The Center) is seeking a part time/per diem ultrasonographer to meet the needs of busy program in our Hartford Office. This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated individuals to work in a comprehensive state-of-the-art infertility treatment program.

Position Description:

Provides transvaginal and abdominal ultrasonography scans to reproductive endocrinology and infertility (REI-IVF) patients as well as ultrasound monitoring for patients going thru intrauterine insemination (IUI) and in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycles [follicular scanning].

Qualifications:

Requirements include:

  • Current ARDMS registration required. ObGyn certification
  • Minimum of 2 years OB/GYN or Women’s Health ultrasound experience
  • Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills
  • Effective written and oral communication skills
  • Ability to multitask and focus on details

Preferred requirements include:

  • Experience with follicular monitoring during IUI and IVF cycles

Schedule:

Qualified candidates must be available for flexible hours based upon patient care and clinical needs of a growing infertility treatment program. Hours are generally 7:30am to 9:30 am, MondayFriday.

How to Respond

Please forward cover letter and resume to:

Maureen Rescildo, Director Clinical Operations

[email protected]

Paul Verrastro, CEO

[email protected]

 

Now hiring: Front Desk Associate

Front Desk Associate needed

Seeking an Outgoing and Compassionate Individual for our Front Desk team. We are looking for a new dedicated staff member who is customer service oriented, friendly, and able to multi-task. Medical field experience is a plus, but not required. The most important traits for someone in this position would be compassionate, social, friendly, and detail oriented.

This position will work as part of a team to greet patients, schedule appointments, create and review patient charts, and adhere to all applicable federal and state laws regarding patient care. The Front Desk associate will need to bring excitement and a genuine care for people, as fantastic customer service is our primary goal.

During the first month of training, this staff member will be trained with the knowledge of our practices, culture, and policies/procedures in order to coordinate with our Physician and other staff and also to interact with patients.

Responsibilities:

* Answering phones and responding to email inquiries

* Making sure to follow federal and Connecticut medical laws and statutes

* Patient scheduling

* Checking in and checking out Patients

* Greeting patients

* Customer service when problems arise

* Helping patients navigate thru fertility process and visits

Personality Traits:

* Positive attitude

* Commitment to GREAT Customer service

* Compassionate

* Same personality day in and day out, even on challenging days

* Detail oriented

Preferred skills:

* Computer proficiency

* Prior medical office experience (not required)

* Can handle a fast-paced work atmosphere

Other:

* Pay based on experience

*No Medical Experience Necessary.

Job Type:

Full-time, including rotational holidays and weekends.

Job Location:

Farmington, CT. May be asked to travel to other locations

Required language:

English
Contact information:

Susan Lyko, Practice Manager
[email protected]

Paul Verrastro, CEO
[email protected]

Learn More About Acupuncture

Interested in learning more about acupuncture? Watch this video from BetterCT–they spoke with several of our patients who used acupuncture as an important part of their fertility program. Helen BetGivargis, licensed acupuncturist, talks more about how it’s used, and Dr. David Schmidt talks about National Infertility Awareness Week and how the Center embraces a wide range of strategies designed to enhance ones ability to conceive.

 

 

Dr. Nulsen Talks About Egg Freezing

Dr. Nulsen joined the crew at Fox61 Good Day Connecticut this morning to talk about egg freezing. In the conversation, he mentions the ability to better understand where you are in the fertility journey by having an AMH test. The Center is offering free AMH testing on April 29th from 10-2. To learn more and to register, click on our News & Events tab.

 

 

Getting through holidays when coping with infertility

by Mary Casey Jacob, Ph.D., ABPP

Most big holidays are celebrated with a focus on family. If you are struggling to have a family, or have more children, holidays may be especially painful times. Thinking about how to be gentle with your self can help. Here are some specific suggestions: If you are buying gifts, do so online or at small shops and avoid malls that are thronged with families.

Limit how many holiday gatherings you attend. Practice saying, “Thank you for the invitation but I will not be able to attend.” You do not have to explain or defend.

Instead of generating anticipatory anxiety by asking yourself “what if” questions, spend some time thinking about how you will answer. Rehearse!

If you know a baby will be at the event, decide in advance if you will hold it or not (if offered). Would it comfort you or torture you?

If you are trying to conceive with a partner, agree on a “get me out of here” signal in case the even becomes too overwhelming. This might mean leaving early or even just taking a walk for some fresh air. Helping in the kitchen can also be a great “time out.”

Give yourself permission to go away for the holiday or to start your own family traditions that may include staying home this year.

If attending religious services are important for your holidays, consider doing so on a college campus where the focus won’t be on the children in the congregation.

Consider taking a break from fertility treatments over the holidays.

Remember, it is normal to feel grief when one has not been able to have the children one desires. Others may not always understand, but it IS normal.

Orthodox Jewish Patients are Well Supported

Fertility in the Jewish community is very much a family experience, and our family is here for yours.

Did you know that Dr. Claudio Benadiva speaks Hebrew fairly fluently, having attended Hebrew day school in Argentina for 11 years? His family is very involved in the community: his children attended Solomon Schechter and were both involved with Jewish organizations at their respective colleges.

As a Jewish physician, Dr. Claudio Benadiva, one of our lead reproductive endocrinologists, understands the unique concerns the halacha observant have as relate to fertility treatment. If you have any questions or concerns as relate to how the Center can specially accommodate your concerns, please let us know.

 

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