Inside Reproductive Health Podcast

What’s the biggest thing happening in the IVF lab? It might just be automation. This isn’t hypothetical. It’s operating now. We visited Hope IVF in Mexico City to see AURA, the fully automated IVF lab created by Conceivable Life Sciences. We sat down with co-founders Joshua Abram, Dr. Alejandro Chavez-Badiola, and Alan Murray to ask the questions you submitted—and some of our own. Tune in as the founders share: * The origin of AURA and what problems they set out to solve. * How a team of 3 embryologist technicians could run 2,000+ cycles per year. * What IVF cycles really cost (And why CFOs should pay attention) * The commercialization strategy behind automation. * How this might change costs, outcomes, and the embryologist role forever.

Looking to hire top REI talent? Want more meaningful conversations with clinic execs and embryologists? There’s one summer meeting that keeps coming up in those conversations: The Midwest Reproductive Symposium International (MRSi) [https://www.mrsimeeting.org/]. In this episode of Inside Reproductive Health, we’re joined by three of its organizers; Dr. GG Collins, Dr. Eric Forman, and Dr. Morgan Wilhoite—who share how they’ve used MRSi to build real connections that last. What you’ll hear in this episode: * Why MRSI is uniquely valuable for vendors, fellows, and physicians * The best ways to meet rising REI talent * How to make your sponsorship dollars work harder for you * How Fellows are building their networks before graduation * What makes the MRSi environment ideal for genuine, lasting collaboration Whether you’re hiring, building partnerships, or just looking to grow your network, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. P.S. I don’t get anything from this, but if you want to save 10% on your registration, use my promo code: GJONES9

Everyone wants to grow their third party IVF program, but are we neglecting patient experience in the process? This week on Inside Reproductive Health, Eloise Drane, 3 time gestational carrier, MBA, and founder of Family Inceptions, shares her honest take on how responsiveness and individualized care have declined, even as demand has stabilized post-2021. Drawing from 17 years of experience running her own surrogacy agency, Eloise offers a kind but direct update on: * Why patient experience is harder than ever to deliver (and how to improve it) * How consolidation impacts intended parents and surrogacy wait times * The challenges of startups and in-house agency models in IVF networks * What she’s looking for in a surrogacy agency before considering merging or acquiring * Why the “same workflows” just won’t cut it for gestational carrier cycles If your practice or network is looking to scale GC IVF—and actually retain intended parents—this is a must-listen.

What’s your exit strategy? For single providers and small fertility practice owners, the difference between a multimillion-dollar sale and walking away with nothing often comes down to timing and preparation. This week on Inside Reproductive Health, I sit down with Bob Goodman, Richard Groberg, and Dr. Brijinder Minhas of MidCap Advisors to discuss: * The current state of fertility clinic mergers & acquisitions * Why many fertility MSOs are preparing to sell their networks * When it’s too late to maximize your practice’s value * How selling with a competitor could radically increase your exit price * The biggest risks that lower your practice’s valuation If you think you might sell your practice in the next 10-15 years, now is the time to start planning. MidCap’s team works with clinic owners to increase their valuation and secure the best possible deal—and they don’t charge fees unless you get paid. Don’t leave money on the table. Listen now to learn how to secure your financial future.

Genetics is nobody’s baby—or at least this week’s guest seems to think so. Dr. Mili Thakur, an REI, geneticist, and consultant through Genome Ally, joins us to break down the gaps in genetic testing, the impact on patient care, and why ASRM and others must step up to set industry-wide standards. Tune in to hear: * The risks inconsistent genetic testing poses to patients and clinics. * How the lack of standardization creates unnecessary workflow burdens. * Why genetic discrepancies hurt patient retention and third-party treatment conversion. * The missing tools needed to improve third-party IVF programs. * Dr. Thakur’s call to action for genetics companies to step up and lead the charge.