Science is the driving force of fertility success. At First Fertility, we are committed to providing our partners—and our patients—with innovative treatments and technology to improve outcomes across the country. Behind every fertility case we take on is a team of experienced and enthusiastic physicians, embryologists, researchers, and specialists who are paving the way in reproductive medicine.
One of the most critical components of helping our patients achieve a successful, healthy pregnancy can be attributed to the advanced technology and procedures practiced in the laboratory.
Across the First Fertility network are leaders in the development and practice of reproductive medicine. Our clinics are often frontrunners for clinical trials in fertility medicine—a testament to the continued standard of quality we offer.
Reproductive medicine is always moving forward, which is why many of our clinics provide opportunities for fellowships and furthering education, including The Center for Advanced Reproductive Medicine as an academic affiliate of the UConn School of Medicine. Several of our doctors also teach in medical schools across the country to help educate the next generation of fertility specialists.
First Fertility is proud to highlight the contributions of the physicians, embryologists, researchers, and specialists across our network.
The role of microRNA-21 in human cumulus cells. Cumulus cells are the cells that surround and protect the egg. They also supply the egg with growth factors, proteins, and other nutrients. Micro RNA regulate the expression of many genes and gene networks. The results of my project showed that an increased expression of miR-21 in cumulus cells was found to be associated with euploidy (normal chromosomes) in the oocyte.
The laboratory is the beating heart of every fertility clinic we work with. Each fertility test and treatment we oversee meets industry standards as set by the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology (SART).
Additionally, our lab advisory board of PhD directors meets regularly to ensure our labs are compliant with network-wide policies to protect our patients. Using benchmark standards, they continually evaluate the outcomes of all the centers to monitor our success.
At First Fertility, the lab is not behind patient care. It is at the center of it.
Char Learson, Market President at First Fertility, believes strong strategy begins where there is a source of truth. When lab expertise is integrated with physicians and clinical leadership, science, workflows, protocols, and patient care come together to create a more complete picture.
In this conversation, Char explores what becomes possible when different areas of expertise are invited into the same conversation.
She shares how First Fertility’s national footprint creates opportunities for teams to learn from one another, share best practices, and build on excellent work already happening across the network. She also discusses initiatives including First Fertility’s lab board and Embryology float pool, which help connect expertise and resources across centers. But some of Char’s most important lessons are about culture.
Great teams need trust. People need to know their voices are valued and that they have the freedom to speak up, challenge assumptions, share ideas, and learn from mistakes. Leaders also need to remain open to perspectives different from their own.
Char reflects on her own experience entering an unfamiliar field and discovering that a different background can sometimes bring exactly the fresh perspective a team needs. Today, she continues to seek out people and experiences that challenge her thinking and add something new to her leadership toolbox.
That same curiosity is part of how First Fertility continues to grow.
When physicians, embryologists, clinical teams, and leaders listen to and learn from one another, we gain a more holistic view of the challenges in front of us and the opportunities to improve.
Because ultimately, excellent fertility care is not created in isolation. It is built by people who bring their expertise to the table, respect what others bring to it, and share a commitment to the patients who have entrusted us with helping grow their families.
