Course Presentation
#Aim
The programme aims to satisfy the increasing need of international academia to delve into the up-to-date data on assisted reproduction. The purpose of the programme is to educate the participants on the new data -principles and techniques- on assisted reproduction so that they can identify and suggest the appropriate treatment option depending on each couple’s type of infertility. Τhe main axes taught will include the examination of the anatomy, physiology and function of the female and male reproductive system, combined with multiple approaches of the "challenge" of infertility and the medical management, in the context of all stages of investigation and diagnosis.
Furthermore, the programme covers all protocols that extend from meditation to intervention to resolve any pathological conditions, using minimally invasive surgical methods, techniques of receiving and processing gametes, fertilization of oocytes through conventional IVF or ICSI, and embryo manipulation as well as the basic principles and techniques related to the surgical treatment of common pathological conditions.
#Learning Outcomes
Knowledge
Following completion of the Course participants should be able to define and clearly describe:
1. Describe the basic principles of methodology and statistics in assisted reproduction research
2. Present the anatomy, physiology and function of the female and male reproductive system and the “challenge” of infertility.
3. Overview the medical management, in the context of all stages of investigation and diagnosis, concerning assisted reproduction.
4. Follow the patient 's medical assistance protocols that extend from medication and / or intervention to resolve any pathological conditions, using minimally invasive surgical methods, such as hysteroscopy and laparoscopy, intrauterine insemination, oocyte retrieval after or without ovarian stimulation and IVF/ICSI.
5. Define, from a laboratory point of view, the techniques of receiving and processing gametes, fertilization of oocytes through conventional IVF or ICSI, and manipulating embryos up to the stage of embryo transfer.
6. Recall the basic principles and techniques related to the surgical treatment of common pathological conditions, such as endometriosis, fibroids and polyps, or ovarian cysts and endometrial adhesions associated with infertility.
Skills (Psychomotor)
Following the completion of the Course participants should be able to:
1. Select the best treatment option for each couple, in the context of assisted reproduction.
2. Recommend the best treatment option for each couple, according to the type of infertility and in special cases, such as pathological conditions associated with infertility.
3. Schedule the best treatment option after an unsuccessful cycle of IVF/ICSI.
4. Manage complications during oocyte retrieval.
5. Adjust the IVF protocol after low or excessive response during ovarian stimulation.
6. Cooperate with a specialised clinician for cases of endometriosis and other autoimmune disorders
7. Schedule treatment options before women with fibroids or Asherman’s syndrome enrolling to IVF.
8. Schedule treatment options in cases of implantation failure following IVF treatment.
9. Calculate the pros and cons for a specific individual in cases of social freezing.
10. Schedule treatment option in cases of congenital anomalies after IVF.
Abilities (Social/Emotional)
Following the completion of the Course participants should be able to:
1. Contribute to the proper counseling of the patients, in order to select the most appropriate medical approach, respecting the needs, the expectations, the socio-economic situation, as well as the family and religious beliefs of the infertile couple.
2. Consider and properly consult patients in legal issues, as well as in the complications associated with the treatment.
3. Plan a personalised assessment in the evaluation of the infertile couple.
4. Organise a next step of management in cases of ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome.
5. Explain the pros and cons on egg and sperm donation / surrogacy.
6. Organise possible surgical procedures with the specialised clinicians in cases of anatomy and physiology disorders in the female and male tract.
7. Organise the therapies before and after surgery in cases of endometriosis and other autoimmune disorders.
8. Support the plan of genetic material donation between oocyte donors and recipients.