I’m a Reproductive Geneticist Dr. Mandy Katz-Jaffe and This Is How I Work

The Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine is a reproductive medicine clinic that helps patients and explores new genetic approaches to combat infertility and hereditary diseases. Dr. Mandy Katz-Yaffe is involved in patient research and treatment, developing genetic technologies that she and her team use in their practice. We spoke to her about her background and work process.

Location: Colorado Current job : Director of Science and Genetics, CCRM Current computer: PC with two wide monitors so I can view patient records and lab results at the same time Current mobile device: iPhone 8S The word that best describes how you work: dynamically or precisely

Tell us a little about your past and how you became who you are today.

I am a reproductive geneticist by education. I received my Master’s and PhD degrees. at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, and moved to the United States after completing his PhD in 2004. I joined the research and clinical teams at the Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine (CCRM) in Lone Tree, Colorado, where I have been since then.

My current position is Director of Science and Genetics at CCRM, so I divide my time between patient care and research, which I really enjoy. My laboratory work focuses on preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), as well as identifying genetic and other molecular processes associated with infertility; for example, how age affects infertility, implantation failure and recurrent miscarriage. Our research presented groundbreaking techniques such as Comprehensive Chromosome Screening (CCS) – a test that detects abnormal chromosome numbers in embryos, a leading cause of miscarriages in women 35 and older – that have helped thousands of CCRM couples have healthy babies and which have since been accepted by clinics around the world.

Tell us about a recent work day.

7:45 am: Drop my kids to school

8:15 am: Arrival at the clinic. The first task of each day is to analyze genetic testing overnight for clinical patient reports.

9:30 am: Overview of current clinical trials, suite and protocols.

10:00: Meeting of the laboratory with the research group.

11:00: Come to the doctor’s appointment and to the doctor’s appointment.

11:30: The patient is consulted. After consulting the patient, have a snack and a walk to recharge.

13:00: Management meeting

14:00: The patient is consulted and responds to the patient’s clinical inquiries.

15:00: Review of patient cases with the genetic counseling team.

15:30: Approval and signing of pre-implantation genetic testing patient reports.

4:30 pm: Liaise with other departments including laboratories, patient care teams and marketing.

17:30: planning and adjusting clinical and research priorities, data analysis and ongoing publications.

18: 30-19: 00 I’m going to pick up my children from sports after school.

What apps, gadgets or tools can’t you live without?

I must admit that my whole world is on my phone! There are a few apps / tools that I’m particularly attached to, including my music lists and NPR podcasts that I listen to when I drive to and from work.

How is your workplace arranged?

My workspace is a bit unusual as it includes both an office and a laboratory.

Our laboratories at CCRM are an open work environment that allows cross-communication between all members of our team. This means that we do a lot of work side by side to engage and support the team. This is not always done in laboratories.

Tell us about an interesting, unusual, or challenging process you have at work.

In the laboratory, we work under very strict and sterile conditions. This means we all wear a robe, face mask, gloves, etc. to keep any samples we work with from getting contaminated. This is not your usual work uniform!

Who are the people who help you achieve results, and how do you rely on them?

I work with a wonderful team of molecular geneticists! Everyone is a productive member of the team, and we rely on each other’s cooperation to achieve our goals. Preimplantation genetic testing is a team sport.

The success we see in CCRM comes from our team environment as it fosters lifelong learning and growth in fertility.

How do you keep track of what you need to do?

My day looks different almost every time I go to the clinic. My tasks for the day will depend on a number of factors: how many patients we currently have, the samples we have to run in the laboratory, what experiments are going on, etc. bench in the laboratory. However, since I usually don’t have a day that looks the same, I rely heavily on calendar reminders and my phone to keep track of upcoming dates and appointments.

How to recharge or relax?

During the working day I like to stretch my legs for a quick walk. Not in the snow! I am originally from Australia and prefer warmer weather, so if it snows, I will quickly go up and down the stairs to cheer up.

Outside of work, I make it my priority to make time for meditation. I try to meditate at least four times a week. It really charges your batteries and sets you up for success throughout the day / week.

What’s your favorite side project?

I spend my time promoting education, speaking at conferences, events, etc., and publicly talking about the success of fertility treatments.

There is practically no education in the field of reproductive medicine in society. Infertility is a disease, and the more people understand this, the more support they will be able to provide to others who are experiencing this process. Fertility education empowers the public with empathy for those struggling with infertility and eliminates any shame that is necessary to continue to normalize this important discussion.

What are you reading now or what do you recommend?

Becoming Michelle Obama.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

“Never give up.” My father was a WWII survivor, and his whole life was a great testament that he did not give up. Science is far from perfect and can be frustrating at times, but the “never give up” mentality pushes me forward. There is a way out . There is always another way to look at a problem to achieve your goal if you never give up.

What problem are you still trying to solve?

We are actively researching many aspects of infertility and reproductive genetics. Some of them, as we speak, are undergoing clinical trials at CCRM! An example is the development of a universal pre-implantation genetic testing platform that can detect various types of genetic mutations, which could improve the success of our patients and lead to healthier babies.