Fertility Matters

The Need for an Egg Donor Does Not Discriminate

Ovarian failure and the need for utilization of an egg donor do not discriminate. It is actually something that unites women. Every race, color, ethnicity, religion is affected. Women need to grieve the loss of their own genetic connection, but in a lot of cases, especially with our black, brown and Asian populations, they also have to grieve the loss of their very specific heritage, and often are left to look for someone who is “close to what they want”. It adds to the list of losses they are already grieving.

Historically, in certain ethnic populations, donating and receiving donor oocytes is frowned upon by society. Our hope is that our new generation of young people will help to break that barrier. Donation is a gift to others, a gift to themselves as the feelings associated with the gift of life is empowering, and it is a gift to their own specific ethnic communities.

Are you interested in finding out more? There are strict requirements to become an egg donor, including being between 21 and 32, a non-smoker. You must know the complete medical history of both your biological parents. In addition, there are BMI requirements. Egg donors are compensated $8,000 for their time and effort during the screening & donation process. For more information on becoming an egg donor, please visit our egg donation website at www.donoreggct.com or call 860.321.7082 EXT 8022.

New Schedule: Yoga for Optimal Fertility

Dr. Makhijani Research Published

Covid Update

Here are our most recent Covid updates as of February 20, 2023:

Welcome Kelly Lynch, MD

Dr. Kelly Lynch, reproductive endocrinologist, has joined the Center as Lead Physician and Assistant Professor in the Department of Ob/Gyn at UConn School of Medicine. She will be seeing patients in the Center’s Hartford, CT office, moving to the Center’s new greater Springfield, MA area office once opened in the Spring of 2023.

“I am honored to have a role in helping people overcome challenges in building their families,” said Lynch. “I am incredibly fortunate to be a part of such a respected and successful program as the Center for Advanced Reproductive Services.”

Dr. Lynch graduated from Robert Wood Johnson School of Medicine and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Connecticut Health Center and Fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology also at UConn. After fellowship, she worked at Baystate Medical Center in Springfield, MA, where she served on the faculty of both Tufts and UMass-Chan Medical Schools as Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology. At Baystate, she was appointed Medical Director of the IVF and Donor Egg Programs. In that role, she collaborated with other Massachusetts medical directors and third-party payors to develop single embryo transfer guidelines to reduce iatrogenic multiple births. She also was privileged to precept the 4th year elective in reproductive endocrinology and infertility and mentored many Tufts, UMass and visiting medical students.

Dr. Lynch has been a committee member of the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology since 2009 and Chair of the Electronic Communication Committee since 2018. Dr. Lynch’s clinical interests include polycystic ovary syndrome, endometriosis, Turner syndrome, and IVF quality and safety.

Genetic Carrier Screening

Welcome Brian Miller, PhD as Chief Executive Officer

The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (The Center), one of the leading family building programs in the country, announced Brian Miller, PhD has been named Chief Executive Officer. Miller will succeed Paul Verrastro, who is stepping down from his position on Dec. 23rd after a distinguished 23-year career at The Center.

Started in 1984, The Center for Reproductive Services is Connecticut’s largest fertility program employing over 100 individuals in the state in four locations and is responsible for the births of over 17,000 babies. The Center is an academic affiliate of UCONN School of Medicine.

Miller is a veteran of the fertility industry, with an extensive background in medical practice operations, business development and growth strategies, medical affairs, as well as clinical laboratory and research. “Brian is a long term colleague and friend of the Center with over 20 years’ experience in the fertility field. His talent and skill combined with an intimate understanding of the Center’s culture make him a perfect fit,” said Paul Verrastro, CEO, Emeritus.

Miller joins The Center from TMRW Life Sciences where he was Senior Vice President. Prior to that he was at a large women’s health company, Cooper Surgical Fertility Solutions, where he was Vice President, North America. Other previous positions include Chief Commercial Officer at Recombine, a clinical genetic testing company and Chief Operating Officer of Fertility Centers of New England. Brian began his career at the Hospital of Central Connecticut. He completed his PhD from the University of Connecticut.

“I am incredibly grateful to work at an organization that is so full of hope and inspiration,” remarked Brian Miller. “I look forward to continuing the Center’s tradition of providing the highest quality personalized care surrounded by the latest technologies and treatments in family building and infertility.”

When It’s Time to See a Fertility Specialist

Recently we had the opportunity to talk about family building options with Natasha Lubczenko from WTNH.

“This is something that is a right for everybody,” says Dr. Prachi Godiwala, lead physician at the center. “It’s not just a privilege for a select few and so to be able to help all of those different people achieve their family goals is really inspiring.”

Watch as Dr. Godiwala explains when it’s time to see a fertility specialist, and as a patient shares her success story.

https://www.wtnh.com/ct-style/center-for-advanced-reproductive-services-offers-fertility-treatment-options-to-grow-your-family/

A Word From Our CEO

Friends and Colleagues,

Change is never easy, but almost always good. In September of this year, I began a transition plan that will bring to an end one of my proudest and most rewarding opportunities–Chief Executive Officer of The Center for Advanced Reproductive Services (CARS) an Academic Affiliate of UConn School of Medicine. The change is effective December 23, 2022.

My career in fertility has been both challenging and rewarding. To get up every day and know I was part of making the kind of difference in people’s lives that only comes through the gift of family was fulfilling and humbling. The heart of CARS is the patients. Always has been. Always will be.

The culture of CARS has always attracted and retained outstanding employees whom I have been privileged to lead and serve. I will miss them all, but treasure what we accomplished together. This is a move I have been personally contemplating for the past few years, but COVID and the challenge of filling this role kept pushing my timeline out.

Earlier this year a person who I would describe as the perfect candidate materialized and we jumped on the opportunity to recruit him. Brian Miller, PhD is a long-term colleague and friend of CARS with over 20 years’ experience in the fertility field. His talent and skill combined with an intimate understanding of the CARS culture make him a perfect fit. I am happy to share Brian and I have been working together since September and will continue to do so through the end of the year. CARS will have the support of Brian and I, the MD and Management Teams, and our management partner First Fertility to make certain this is a seamless, successful transition.

Many of you have inquired about my next step. For the short-term (Q1, 2023), I will be taking on a part time, consultative/project-based role with First Fertility, CARS’s management company. Beyond that, I am leaving open at least for now.

My life has been immeasurably enriched by my 23 years at CARS. This is a very positive step for me at this time in my life and most importantly secures the long-term administrative leadership of CARS. I am gratified to have been supported and mentored by so many talented and generous people. And I am especially grateful to have had a part of being able to inspire many, many people with hope and help them fulfill their dreams of building families.

Paul Verrastro, CEO

Thank you Dr. Nulsen