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Study Week Modules 2023

STUDY WEEK 2023

Study Week will take place 11th – 14th September, Millennium Gloucester Hotel, London.

 

Why take part in Study Week?

Study Week offers an impressive line-up of expert speakers covering 9 specialised modules, ensuring you receive quality training whatever your field or stage of your career.

BFS Module Certification

Study Week modules will be of interest to those already registered, or considering undertaking the BFS Module Certification.

BFS Membership benefits

If you are not already a BFS member, do consider joining as this ensures you can register for study days at discounted rates. As a member, you will also be able to enrol for the highly regarded BFS Training Modules that lead to certification, linked to many of the Study Days. 

Study Week Modules

  • Creating Modern Families

    Meenakshi Choudhary, Module Lead

    More people than ever before are creating families using donor gametes. This is a very important part of fertility provision and often captures public imaginations due to limited availability and regulatory provision around the use of donor gametes. This study day aims to highlight the complexities of modern families including the regulatory changes that have led to the evolution of such treatments. It also highlights the clinical and legal aspects associated with creating such families, the importance of counselling and some commonly encountered issues. It would benefit any staff (doctors and fertility nurse specialists) involved in providing or planning to provide this service. This study day is available as a BFS Certificated Module.

    September 12th

    Speaker Time Title
    Meenakshi Choudhary 08:50 – 08:55 Welcome from the Chair
    Rhona Brown 08:55 – 09:00 Video patient perspective
    Anupa Roper 09:00 – 09:05 Video donor perspective
    Suzanne Dark 09:05 – 09:35 The role of counselling in contemporary family creation
    Alka Prakash 09:35 – 10:05 Treating single women and same sex female couples
    Meenakshi Choudhary 10:05 – 10:35 Eggs and embryos: Donations
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:35 – 10:55
    James Lawford Davies 10:55 – 11:25 Regulation and legal aspects in the use of donor gametes
    Jan Grace 11:25 – 11:55 Surrogacy – reasons for and outcomes
    Louisa Ghevaert 11:55 – 12:25 Legal aspects of surrogacy
    Lunch and exhibition 12:25 – 12:55
    James Barrett 12:55 – 13:25 Fertility and gender reassignment
    Francoise Shenfield 13:25 – 13:55 Cross border fertility care
    Vasanti Jadva 13:55 – 14:25 The changing face of the modern family
    Anya Sizer 14:25 – 14:55 The realities of adoption: A lived experience
    Refreshments and exhibition 14:55 – 15:10
    Danya Harris 15:10 – 15:40 Opening the register – challenges and solutions
    Ferring sponsor’s symposium 15:45 – 16:15 Real world evidence for building modern families
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 15:45 – 15:50 Welcome and introduction
    Dr Alexander Freis 15:50 – 16:00 Does follitropin delta result in higher live birth rate compared to follitropin alfa/beta? New real-world data from Germany
    Professor Andrew Drakeley 16:00 – 16:10 Folliptropin delta: key learnings from the UK- Real-world patient case studies
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 16:10 – 16:15 Close

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  • Embryo Transfer & IUI

    Srividya Seshadri, Module Lead

    The Embryo Transfer and IUI Study Days provides a theoretical platform to develop your knowledge base in this area of fertility. We have a comprehensive program with lectures provided by some of the most respected and knowledgeable clinicians and embryologists within the UK together with one of the UK’s top medicolegal experts. They will share their expertise and experiences within their area of speciality.

    The 2 day course is open to clinicians, nurses, embryologists  and any other related discipline who would benefit from this educational event.

    September 13th 

    Speaker

    Time

    Title

    Srividya Seshadri

    08:50 – 09:00

    Welcome from the Chair

    Guy Morris

    09:00 – 09:45

    Structure of cervix, uterus and tubes

    Davina Hulme

    09:45 – 10:30

    Current trends in embryo selection

    Refreshments and exhibition

    10:30 – 11:00

    Jackson Kirkman-Brown

    11:00 – 11:45

    Preparing the male and the sperm

    Priya Bhide

    11:45 – 12:30

    IUI treatment

    Lunch and exhibition

    12:30 – 13:30

    Yadava Jeve

    13:30 – 14:15

    Embryo transfer techniques

    Tommy Tang

    14:15 – 15:00

    Optimising success rates including add-ons

    Refreshments and exhibition

    15:00 – 15:30

    Stuart Lavery

    15:30 – 16:15

    Future fertility trends

    Srividya Seshadri

    16:15 – 16:25

    Close

    IBSA Pharma sponsor’s symposium

    Pedro Melo

    16:30 – 17:00

    Luteal phase support

    September 14th
    Day 2

    Srividya Seshadri

    08:50 – 09:00

    Welcome

    James Nicopoullos

    09:00 – 09:45

    Embryo transfer procedure: Technique and evidence base

    David Ogutu

    09:45 – 10:30

    Controlled ovarian stimulation

    Refreshments and exhibition

    10:30 – 11:00

    James Nicopoullos & David Ogutu

    11:00 – 12:00

    Group 1(30 mins) – Simulated guided transfer

    Marta Jansa Perez

    11:00 – 12:00

    Group 2 (30 mins) – Catheter loading transfer

    Lunch and exhibition

    12:00 – 13:00

    Marta Jansa Perez

    13:00 – 14:00

    Group 1 (30 mins) – Catheter loading transfer

    James Nicopoullos & David Ogutu

    13:00 – 14:00

    Group 2 (30 mins) – Simulated guided transfer

    James Lawford Davies

    14:00 – 14:45

    Medico-legal case discussion

    Refreshments and exhibition

    14:45 – 15:00

    Priya Bhide and Amanda Cook

    15:00 – 15:20

    Group 1: IUI technique with a simulator

    Bolarinde Ola and Yadava Jeve

    15:00 – 15:20

    Group 2: Transmyometrial embryo transfer technique

    Bolarinde Ola and Yadava Jeve

    15:20 – 15:40

    Group 1: Transmyometrial embryo transfer technique 

    Priya Bhide and Amanda Cook

    15:20 – 15:40

    Group 2: IUI technique with a simulator

    Srividya Seshadri

    15:40 – 15:45

    Close

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  • Fertility Preservation

    Julia Kopeika, Module Lead

    As cancer treatments continue to improve, the prospect of long-term survival and cure is becoming ever more a reality. Infertility is the commonest long-term adverse effect of cancer treatment. Consequently, fertility preservation in cancer survivors is becoming an increasingly important aspect of our daily clinical practice. This study day will address this important area crossing the boundaries between the various disciplines involved, with talks from Clinicians, Nurses and Scientists both in the fields of Reproductive Medicine and Oncology. The course will cover the epidemiology of cancer in patients of reproductive age, overview of modern cancer treatments, chemotherapy regimens, effect of cancer treatment on fertility, approaches for male and female fertility preservation, as well as the ins and outs of setting up and managing an effective fertility preservation programme.

    September 13th

    Speaker Time Title
    Julia Kopeika 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome from the Chair
    Sandra Easdale 09:00 – 09:45 Epidemiology of cancers in the patients of reproductive age
    Sophia Kaimaklioti 09:45 – 10:30 Fertility-related psychological support to patients with cancer
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Harriet McGrath 11:00 – 11:45 An overview of systematic anti-cancer therapies
    Richard Anderson 11:45 – 12:30 The effect of cancer treatment on female fertility and an overview of female fertility preservation
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Marta Jansa Perez 13:30 – 14:14 Oocyte cryopreservation
    Hartmut Kristeleit 14:15 – 15:00 Update on breast cancer treatment and outcome
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:00 – 15:15
    Julia Kopeika 15:15 – 16:00 Ovarian stimulation for fertility
    Julia Kopeika 16:00 – 16:15 Close
    IBSA Pharma sponsor’s symposium

    Pedro Melo

    16:30 – 17:00 Luteal phase support

    and September 14th

    Speaker Time Title
    Julia Kopeika 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome from the Chair
    Majid Shabbir 09:00 – 09:45 Fertility preservation in male patients
    Allan Pacey 09:45 – 10:30 Fertility outcome in men after cancer treatment
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Case discussion 11:00 – 11:45 Case discussion
    Claus Yding Andersen 11:45 – 12:30 Ovarian tissue cryopreservation and ovarian tissue transplantation
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:15
    Benjamin Jones 13:15 – 14:00 Uterine transplant
    Ephia Yasmin 14:00 – 14:45 Fertility preservation in transgender patients
    Melanie Davies 14:45 – 15:30 Late effects of cancer treatment: Subfertility, early menopause and the use of HRT
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:30 -15:45
    Ertan Saridogan 15:45 – 16:30 Surgical methods  of fertility preservation
    Dima El-Sharkawi 16:30 – 17:15 Haematologist perspective: Update on modern treatments for Lymphomas in patients of reproductive age
    Julia Kopeika 17:15 Close

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  • GP Study Day (online only)

    Alison Richardson and Steve Davies, Module Leads

    One in six couples struggle to conceive.  This can have a profound impact on their biological, psychological and social well-being.  Half of these couples will often achieve a pregnancy with relatively simple advice that can quite easily be provided by their GP.  Although the remainder will require some form of intervention or treatment offered by secondary or tertiary care providers, their journey begins in primary care and it is likely that they will maintain a relationship with their GP throughout the process.  This study day aims to equip motivated GPs and GP trainees with the knowledge, skills and attributes required to be able to effectively manage these couples.

    The programme will focus on how to differentiate couples that can (at least initially) be conservatively managed in primary care (and how to effectively do this), from those that warrant an earlier referral to secondary care.  It will include advice on what investigations are useful and how to interpret the results.  The programme will include a brief summary of the different fertility treatments available including ovulation induction and intrauterine insemination as well as more advanced reproductive treatments including IVF and ICSI and the risks and complications associated with these, including what to do when fertility treatments fail.  Finally, there are sessions on more recent fertility developments including pre-implantation genetic testing and fertility preservation.

    All of these presentations have been specifically tailored to the target audience and are provided by speakers who are enthusiastic and experts in their field.

    Speakers Title of talk
    Alison Richardson/Stephen Davies Introduction/Normal Fertility
    Allan Pacey Male Fertility
    Kevin McEleny Urology and Fertility
    Susie Jacob Ovulatory dysfunction/PCOS
    Alison Richardson Ovarian reserve/POI
    Oli Donovan Tubal disorders including endometriosis
    Mostafa Metwally Fibroids and Fertility
    Stephen Davies Investigating and managing subfertility in primary care
    Fatima Husain Ethnic disparities in fertility treatment outcome – what can primary care do to help?
    Matt Prior OI, IUI, IVF and ICSI
    Ed Coats Risks and complications of ART
    Angela Pericleous-Smith What happens when IVF fails
    Ellissa Baskind Pre-Implantation Genetic Testing
    Maya Chetty Fertility preservation
    Raj Mathur Regulation and Funding of IVF

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  • Male Fertility

    Marc Lucky, Module Lead

    Male fertility problems are extremely common, but many fertility practitioners understandably lack experience and confidence in dealing with them. This popular course, linked to a BFS Training Module, aims to improve the knowledge base and skills of Fertility Practitioners who work with men. The talks, which cover all aspects of male fertility, are given by leading UK / International Figures and the course has received excellent feedback, particularly in terms of addressing learning requirements. This course is suitable for Reproductive Physicians, Urologists, Fertility Nurses and Clinical Scientists –in fact anyone who deals with male patients.

    September 13th

    Speaker Time Title
    Marc Lucky 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome from the Chair
    Kevin McEleny 09:00 – 09:45 Male history, examination and investigation
    Asif Muneer 09:45 – 10:30 Surgical sperm retrieval
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Ayo Kalejaiye 11:00 – 11:30 The male reproductive tract and male sexual function
    Marc Lucky 11:30 – 12:00 Testicular causes of male infertility
    Suks Minhas 12:00 – 12:30 Male reproductive physiology
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Bryan Woodward 13:30 – 14:00 Tests of semen quality
    Miguel J Xavier 14:00 – 14:30 The genetics of male infertility
    Rowland Rees 14:30 – 15:00 Varicocele and post-testicular causes of male fertility
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:00 – 15:15
    Arie Parnham 15:15 – 15:45 Testicular cancer and fertility
    Richard Quinton 15:45 – 16:15 Pre-testicular problems
    Marc Lucky 16:15 Close
    IBSA Pharm sponsor’s symposium

     

    Pedro Melo

    16:30 – 17:00 Luteal phase support

    Find out more

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  • Nursing Study Day (online only)

    Yvonne Wedden and Jane Denton, Module Leads

    Fertility nursing is a constantly evolving specialist field of practice with exciting opportunities. The study day is designed to help fertility nurses review their personal career pathway and contribute to re-validation and the development of knowledge and expertise.

    The programme this year has a focus on  new  technologies  and how these are being integrated into fertility nursing practice.

    Topics include using apps in clinical practice, auditing medicine management, conflict management and optimising appraisals.  All the speakers are experienced fertility nurses and we are very grateful to them for sharing their expertise.  Fertility nurses at every level of practice will benefit from the day.

    Find out more

    Nurses
    Speakers Title of talk
    Yvonne Wedden Welcome from Chair
    Mikey O’Brien & Sarah Stamps New Technology – Using Apps in Clinical Practice
    Jules Sterry Optimising appraisals – a guide for nurses
    Aoife Corley Conflict management for improved team working

    Find out more

  • PGT

    Tarek El-Toukhy, Module Lead

    This study day aims to give information on providing PGT as part of a  multidisciplinary service delivered by genetic and ART specialists. It will allow attendees to appreciate the burden of genetic disorders and their mode of inheritance whilst acquiring the latest knowledge on reproductive options for couples who are at risk of having a child affected by a genetic disorder. It will also discuss the application of PGS as an option to patients seeking treatment and its advantages and disadvantages. The session aims to ensure an understanding of the typical clinical pathway of PGT, and how regulation works in the UK, appreciate the embryology lab processes required , to familiarise attendees with the latest genetic diagnostic technologies and clinical scenarios will also be presented. This study day will be of interest to ATSM candidates, Consultants, ART specialists, Nurses, Embryologists and Counsellors.

    September 11th

    Speaker Time Title
    Tarek El-Toukhy 08:50 – 09:00 Introduction to module
    Frances Flinter 09:00 – 09:30 Introduction to genetic diseases
    Frances Flinter 09:30 – 10:00 How the HFEA regulates PGT
    Yacoub Khalaf 10:00 – 10:30 Reproductive options available to couples at risk
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Muriel Holder 11:00 – 11:30 The current status of NIPT and prenatal diagnosis
    Francesca Forzano 11:30 – 12:00 An introduction to PGT and expanded carrier screening
    Charlotte Tomlinson 12:00 – 12:30 PGT counselling and clinical pathway
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Alpesh Doshi 13:30 – 14:00 Embryology of PGT
    Roy Pascal Naja 14:00 – 14:30 PGT diagnostic technologies
    Tarek El-Toukhy 14:30 – 15:00 Clinical assessment/preparation of PGT couples and factors that affect success and clinical results
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:00 – 15:30
    Emma Sowerby 15:30 – 16:00 PGT service delivery models pitfalls and troubleshooting in a satellite PGT service
    Tarek El-Toukhy 16:00 – 16:30 Training in PGT
    Bulent Urman 16:30 – 17:00 What is the Role of PGT-A in an evidence-based IVF practice?
    Tarek El-Toukhy 17:00 Close
    Merck sponsor’s symposium 17:10 – 17:50 Unlocking success in 2023: Strategies for achieving optimal results in MAR
    David Ogutu 17:10 – 17:30 Optimise chances of success in an evolving fertility market: real world evidence data
    Apostolos Tsironis 17:30 – 17:50 Putting patients first: individualised treatment approach
    with the combination of r hFSH and r hLH in MAR

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  • Quality and effectiveness of modern fertility services

    Mostafa Metwally and Rachel Cutting, Module Leads

    This joint BFS/HFEA course will cover all aspects of developing and running an effective fertility service as well as help you gain a firm understanding of the legislation and quality management issues essential for running a high-quality fertility service.

    September 11th

    Speaker Time Title
    Mostafa Metwally & Louise Winstone 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome
    Cheryl Fitzgerald 09:00 – 09:45 The role of the Person Reponsible
    Chris White 09:45 – 10:30 Developing a service and business planning
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Sara Parlett 11:00 – 11:45 HFEA overview of inspection and compliance in UK fertility clinics
    Tom Bamber 11:45 – 12:30 Leadership styles and workplace culture: Leading a multidisciplinary Fertility team, challenges and solutions
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Dave Wales 13:30 – 14:00 Quality management and you
    Chris White 14:00 – 14:45 The UK fertility market and commissioning
    Refreshments and exhibition 14:45 – 15:15
    Jason Kasraie 15:15 – 16:00 Top tips for inspection
    Louise Winstone 16:00 – 16:30 Top tips for inspection
    Mostafa Metwally 16:30 – 16:40 Close
    Merck sponsor’s symposium 17:10 – 17:50
    David Ogutu 17:10 – 17:30 Optimise chances of success in an evolving fertility market: real world evidence data
    Apostolos Tsironis 17:30 – 17:50 Putting patients first: individualised treatment approach
    with the combination of r hFSH and r hLH in MAR

    and September 12th

    Speaker Time Title
    Mostafa Metwally & Louise Winstone 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome
    Rachel Cooper 09:00 – 09:45 The fundamentals: Consent and the law
    Angela Pericleous-Smith 09:45 – 10:30 Supporting patients
    Coffee & exhibition 10:30 – 11:00 n/a
    Raj Mathur 11:00 – 11:45 Dealing with incidents: Case reports from a clinical practice
    Louise Winstone 11:45 – 12:30 Dealing with incidents: The duty of the PR on what, when and how to report incidents
    Lunch & exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Kate Brian 13:30 – 14:15 What do patients, partner and donors think and want?
    Mostafa Metwally 14:15- 14:30 Close
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:00 – 15:45
    Ferring sponsor’s symposium 15:45 – 16:15 Real world evidence for building modern families
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 15:45 – 15:50 Welcome and introduction
    Dr Alexander Freis 15:50 – 16:00 Does follitropin delta result in higher live birth rate compared to follitropin alfa/beta? New real-world data from Germany
    Professor Andrew Drakeley 16:00 – 16:10 Folliptropin delta: key learnings from the UK- Real-world patient case studies
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 16:10 – 16:15 Close

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  • Ultrasonography in Fertility

    Dimitrios Mavrelos, Module Lead

    Ultrasound is an essential tool in the investigation and management of women with fertility problems. Delegates attending the course will gain a comprehensive overview, starting with basic principles through to advanced techniques, of how to use and optimize ultrasound as a tool essential in the practise of reproductive medicine and fertility. Delegates will understand how to best use 2D, 3D and Doppler modes to extract relevant information for the diagnosis and management of fertility problems and treatment cycles. Delegates will also learn how ultrasound
    can be used to perform diagnostic and operative procedures relevant to fertility. These Study Days represent the mandatory Course for the BFS certification module in Pelvic Ultrasound.

    Target audience
    • Trainees currently registered, or considering completion of the BFS certification module in Pelvic
    Ultrasound
    • All trainees wishing to acquire gynaecological ultrasound skills targeted specifically to fertility assessment
    • Practising gynaecologists, nurses and allied health professional who wish to improve their fertility scanning skills

    September 11th

    Speaker Time Title 
    Dimitrios Mavrelos 08:50 – 09:15 Welcome from the Chair
    Neil Pugh 09:20 – 09:45 Image optimisation, artefacts and safety
    Nazar Amso 09:50 – 10:30 Gynaecological ultrasound: Essential knowledge of normal pelvic anatomy, physiology and examination technique
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Joseph Yazbek 11:00 – 11:40 Ovarian and adnexal pathology in women of reproductive age
    Neera Balachandren 11:45 – 12:25 Antral follicle count and ovarian reserve
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 14:00
    Joel Naftalin 14:00 – 14:40 The ultrasound assessment of fibroids and adenomyosis for fertility
    Davor Jurkovic 14:45 – 15:30 Ultrasound in endometriosis
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:30 – 16:00
    Dimitrios Mavrelos 16:00 – 16:45 Congenital uterine anomalies and scar niches
    Dimitrios Mavrelos 17:00 Close
    Merck sponsor’s symposium 17:10 – 17:50 Unlocking success in 2023: Strategies for achieving optimal results in MAR
    David Ogutu 17:10 – 17:30 Optimise chances of success in an evolving fertility market: real world evidence data
    Apostolos Tsironis 17:30 – 17:50 Putting patients first: individualised treatment approach
    with the combination of r hFSH and r hLH in MAR

    and September 12th

    Speaker Time Title
    Dimitrios Mavrelos 08:50 – 09:00 Welcome
    Sotirios Saravelos 09:00 – 09:45 Ultrasound guided procedures in fertility treatments
    Mostafa Metwally 09:45 – 10:30 Follicle tracking
    Refreshments and exhibition 10:30 – 11:00
    Kannamannadiar Jayaprakasan 11:00 – 11:45 3D Ultrasound
    Gidon Lieberman 11:45 – 12:30 HyCoSy/Hysterosonography
    Lunch and exhibition 12:30 – 13:30
    Jackie Ross 13:30 – 14:15 Early pregnancy and miscarriage
    Emma Kirk 14:15 – 15:00 Ultrasound diagnosis of ectopic pregnancy
    Dimitrios Mavrelos 15:00 – 15:15 Close
    Refreshments and exhibition 15:15 – 15:30
    Ferring sponsor’s symposium 15:45 – 16:15 Real world evidence for building modern families
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 15:45 – 15:50 Welcome and introduction
    Dr Alexander Freis 15:50 – 16:00 Does follitropin delta result in higher live birth rate compared to follitropin alfa/beta? New real-world data from Germany
    Professor Andrew Drakeley 16:00 – 16:10 Folliptropin delta: key learnings from the UK- Real-world patient case studies
    Dr Ippokratis Sarris 16:10 – 16:15 Close

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