Study Week Modules 2026
Creating Modern Families
More people than ever before are creating families through donor gametes and surrogacy. These pathways are now a central part of modern fertility practice and often capture public attention due to the limited availability of donors, evolving regulation and the ethical questions that can arise when building families in this way.
This study day explores the realities of creating modern families, bringing together clinical expertise, legal perspectives, and patient voices. It will examine the evolving landscape of donor conception, including donor sperm pathways for lesbian couples and solo mothers, egg donation programmes, surrogacy, and the growing role of cross-border reproductive care.
The programme also addresses the regulatory and legal frameworks surrounding donor gametes and surrogacy, the opening of the donor register, and the practical challenges clinics face when supporting patients through these complex journeys.
Alongside the clinical and legal aspects, the day highlights the importance of counselling, patient support and long-term research into the wellbeing of donor-conceived and surrogacy families.
This study day would benefit any staff involved in providing, or planning to provide, services that support the creation of modern families. The course is available as a BFS Certificated Module.
Reproductive Endocrinology
A thorough understanding of the principles of Reproductive Endocrinology is fundamental to the effective practice of subfertility, reproductive endocrinology, and assisted conception.
The Reproductive Endocrinology study day will feature a series of talks by leading experts in endocrinology and reproductive medicine, providing a comprehensive overview of key physiological principles alongside contemporary diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.
A strong foundation in reproductive endocrinology enables healthcare professionals to accurately diagnose and manage disorders including polycystic ovary syndrome, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, hypogonadism, thyroid dysfunction, and hyperprolactinaemia. It also underpins the effective use of hormonal therapies in assisted reproductive technologies, such as ovulation induction and controlled ovarian stimulation. Beyond fertility, reproductive hormones influence broader aspects of health, including bone density, cardiovascular risk, and metabolic function. As such, expertise in reproductive endocrinology is critical for delivering holistic, evidence-based care across the reproductive lifespan.
Who Should Attend: This study day will benefit both trainees and senior clinicians, general practitioners, nurses, laboratory scientists and fertility counsellors looking to manage Reproductive Endocrinology Disorders.
Key Objectives: By the end of the study day, attendees will have strengthened their understanding of the principles of reproductive endocrinology and gained practical insights into the management of clinical problems relating to reproductive endocrinology disorders, leading to enhanced decision-making and better patient outcomes.
Challenges in managing a successful fertility service
This joint BFS/HFEA course will cover all aspects of developing and running an effective fertility service as well as helping you gain a firm understanding of the legislation and elements of quality management essential for running a high-quality fertility service. In a changing sector the course covers challenges such as how to cope through a cost-of-living crisis.
The study day aims to provide support to PRs and clinic leaders in navigating the regulatory landscape focusing on the challenges with consent and the law and managing and learning from incidents. The broad day also gives a valuable insight into delivering a high-quality service for patients focusing on elements of the patient pathway such as support and how to ensure your clinic is inclusive to all.
The enjoyable interactive leadership session provides a lively session to develop leadership skills across a multidisciplinary team.
The course is being delivered by highly experienced leaders from the sector who will share their knowledge and experience. Aimed at current and aspiring clinic leaders and PRs the course will be beneficial in both terms of learning and gaining experience.
Embryo Transfer & IUI
The Embryo Transfer and IUI Study Days provides a theoretical platform to develop your knowledge base in this area of fertility. Delivering a comprehensive programme with lectures (based on current evidence base) 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.
This course enables hands on practical training on simulators aimed to enhance skills. In addition, to the routine clinical procedures, this course also highlights the transmyometrial embryo transfer technique This course provides a unique opportunity to observe the procedure of embryo loading before the embryo transfer.
This course is open to clinicians, nurses, embryologists or any personnel who are keen on exploring the clinical aspects of ART.
Fertility Preservation
In recent years, the landscape of fertility preservation services has undergone significant evolution, extending beyond patients with cancer diagnoses to encompass various other groups, including those with benign conditions, genetic concerns, elective non-medical indications, and transgender individuals. This study day aims to explore this vital area, bridging the gaps between different disciplines involved. The event will feature talks from clinicians, nurses, and scientists specializing in reproductive medicine, oncology, and surgery. Topics covered will include the epidemiology of cancer in reproductive-age patients, an overview of modern cancer treatments and chemotherapy regimens, the impact of cancer treatments on fertility, strategies for male and female fertility preservation, and the establishment and management of effective fertility preservation programs. Leading experts in the field will present the latest developments and insights into ovarian stimulation, ovarian and testicular tissue preservation, uterine transplantation, and other aspects of modern fertility preservation practices.
Male Fertility
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.
Reproductive Genetics and genetic testing in ART
This study day aims to give information on providing Preimplantation genetic testing (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 PGT-A (testing for aneuploidy) as an embryo selection option to patients seeking treatment and its advantages and disadvantages. Carrier screening and genetic advice will also be discussed. The session aims to ensure an understanding of the typical clinical pathway of PGT, how regulation works in the UK, appreciate the embryology lab processes required, explain the latest genetic diagnostic technologies and discuss complex clinical scenarios. This study day will be of interest to ATSM candidates, Consultants, ART specialists, Nurses, Embryologists, clinical geneticists and Genetic Counsellors.
Ultrasonography in Fertility
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 optimise 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.
Target audience
• 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
Integrated Care and Advanced Communication in ART
Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) is an ever-evolving field where clinical success is increasingly linked to the quality of integrated patient care. While technical proficiency is paramount, the ability to navigate the psychological, social, and cultural complexities of the patient journey is what defines a truly successful fertility service. This study day aims to bridge the gap between clinical excellence and the ‘human element’ of reproductive medicine.
Aligned with the BFS commitment to multidisciplinary training, this course explores the ‘7 Cs’ of communication and the role of emotional awareness in the clinic. Moving beyond traditional lectures, the program features live role-plays, providing a safe yet realistic environment to practice:
- Delivering sensitive clinical and embryological results.
- Identifying and managing safeguarding concerns, including domestic abuse.
- Providing inclusive care for LGBTQ+, transgender, and neurodiverse patients.
- De-escalating conflict and managing adverse outcomes.
In keeping with the BFS ethos of interdisciplinary collaboration, this day is designed for Doctors, Nurses, Embryologists, and other healthcare professionals.Participants will gain practical tools to manage staff stress and emotional anticipation while developing a concise clinic communication protocol to take back to their practice.
