CME Eligible VitaeCME Content
Amy Beckley
CEO of MFB Fertility,
The Diagnostic Power of Testing Progesterone Urine Metabolites
CME Credit: 1.50
Descriptions
Amy Beckley, Phd., CEO of MFB Fertility, presents on the use and technique of urinary progesterone metabolite measurement and applications of current assays. Learn how a new urine PDG test (Progesterone Ovulation Test “Proov,” https://proovtest.com) is being utilized to confirm ovulation status and the different conditions this can be used to support
Learning Objectives
1) Discuss the use and technique of urinary progesterone metabolite measurement
2) Review the historical and current urinary progesterone metabolite assays.
3) Learn the applications of current assays.
Dr. Phil Boyle
Founder, NeoFertility
One Egg Is Enough
CME Credit: 1.50
Descriptions
Low AMH? Yes, it just takes one egg. Learn why using AMH as a diagnostic tool in predicting fertility isn’t as meaningful marker in Restorative Reproductive Medicine.
Learning Objectives
1) Understand the role AMH plays in IVF and the role it plays in RRM and explain why it differs
2) Review novel treatments , supplements and lifestyle changes that can be implemented in treating infertility
3) Review success rates with RRM
4) Explain the difference between egg quality and egg quantity
Dr. Phil Boyle
Founder, NeoFertility
The Truth About Reduced Ovarian Reserve and AMH
CME Credit: 1.25
Descriptions
Increase confidence in treating and managing successful pregnancies restoratively despite low Ovarian Reserve, and why AMH is not an iimportant predictor when trying to conceive naturally.
Learning Objectives
1. Explain why using AMH as a diagnostic tool predicting fertility isn’t a meaningful marker in Restorative Reproductive Medicine (or natural conception)
2) increase confidence in treating and managing successful pregnancies restoratively despite low Ovarian Reserve
3) Explore the possible uses of LDN, DHEA and sympathomimetics in a pregnancy
Pierre Cloutier
Dr Pierre Cloutier Inc
The Importance of Testosterone - How to Supplement For Health and Fertility
CME Credit: 1.00
Descriptions
Testosterone has a significant effect on a man’s health and fertility. Dr. Cloutier explores the various ways that testosterone deficiency can present. This presentation includes a review of the role of accurate diagnostic testing in establishing a diagnosis and subsequent treatment approaches.
Learning Objectives
1) Review recommended practices in diagnosing , treating and supplementing low testosterone levels in men
2) Understand how abnormal levels of testosterone can affect many areas of a man’s health – not just fertility.
3) Review how to accurately test testosterone levels
Dr. Marguerite Duane
Executive Director of FACTS
Just the Facts: Part 1 & 2
CME Credit: 3.00
Descriptions
Learn about the different modern, science-based Fertility Awareness Based Methods, how they differ, and which might be best fit for your patient. Understand why the generally accepted effectiveness rates for natural methods of avoiding pregnancy are incorrect, and how to evaluate the most recent effectiveness rates.
Learning Objectives
1) Define and describe the term and use of FABMs (Fertility Awareness Based Methods)
2) State the current science-based fertility awareness-based methods
3) Understand the difference between the “Rhythm Method” or “Calendar Method” and modern FABMs of menstrual charting
4) Understand the typical-use effectiveness rate for typical-use unintended pregnancy rates of FABMS compared with the typical use rate of condoms
5) Understand the concepts of pregnancy rates, effectiveness, perfect use, typical use, achieving-related behaviour, and avoiding-related behaviour
6) Review existing studies of FABMS for avoiding pregnancy
7) Understand why the current unintended pregnancy rate of science-based FABMS may be higher than stated by the CDC
8) Explain the benefit of using a FABM to achieve pregnancy
Santiago Molina & Molly Daley
Teen STAR USA
Sex Ed Rebooted: A New Approach to Teen Sexuality
CME Credit: 1.50
Descriptions
Teen charting: Most women don’t have empowering memories of sex ed class in school or their first menstruation experience. This session discusses the impact of changing the way we approach teen sexuality — and how empowering young people from the beginning with full knowledge about their bodies in a positive way has incredible results.
Learning Objectives
1) Gain effective communication tools to approach the conversation of sexuality with teens
2) Understand some basic changes in a teens developing brain
3) Gain skills to empower the teen to take charge of their own sexual health
4) Understand the positive impact learning to track their own menstrual cycles can have on teenage girls
5) Describe best practises and new opportunities to support teens in the prevention of sexually transmitted disease
Allison Jung
PA, FCP, NFPMC, Founder of Revive FertilityCare
Perimenopause Charting, Hormones and Supplementation
CME Credit: 1.0
Descriptions
Peri-menopause charting, hormones and supplementation, Learn exactly what women can expect in their bodies and on their charts into their 40s and 50s. Learn how to prepare for menopause with holistic solutions for the cause of symptoms. A restorative, cooperative perspective offers hope and empowerment for this inevitable season and is a refreshing alternative to the routine cover-ups involving artificial hormones, painkillers, and antidepressants.
Learning Objectives
1) Identify the four stages of menopause
2) Review the physical changes patients may expect during the stages of menopause
3) Review the changes that may occur in a patient’s menstrual chart during the stages of menopause
4) Differentiate between the use of synthetic and bio-identical hormones and their efficacy in treating and easing the symptoms of menopause
5) Suggest supplements that may ease symptoms during perimenopause
Dr. Brooke Kalanick
Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, Women's Hormone Expert
Stress and the Menstrual Cycle: the impact on the Mind and Body
CME Credit: 1.25
Descriptions
Stress — its effects and what to do about it. Dr Brooke specializes in finding root causes of serious symptoms and supports her clients back to vitality with surprisingly simple lifestyle shifts. This session provides changes providers can support patients to take to improve their metabolism, hormones and overall quality of life.
Learning Objectives
1) Describe how two key metabolic hormones, insulin and cortisol, have a profound effect other hormones
2) Learn the characteristics of these hormones, and how lifestyle changes can help to regulate these hormone levels
3) Understand the effects of sleep deprivation on reproductive health and hormones
4) Review strategies to improve sleep length and quality.
Jeremy A. Kalamarides
DO, CFCMC, FCP - Medical Director, Vitae Clinic
Targeted Diagnosis and Treatment for Premenstrual syndrome with Fertility Awareness Based Methods
CME Credit: 1.25
Description
PMS — restorative approach to treatment. Moodiness, bloating, pain, headaches, migraines, depression, cravings, muscle aches, fatigue, insomnia…an astonishing 80% of women claim to experience these symptoms. PMS symptoms that interfere with daily life are not normal! Explore what causes these symptoms and some solutions that can resolve them.
Learning Objectives
1) Understand the mainstream approach to treating PMS and PMDD
2) Suggest and further explore cooperative and novel therapies for PMS and PMDD
3) Have greater awareness and recognition of PMS & PMDD
Teresa Kenney
Women's Health Nurse Practitioner, Sancta Familia Medical, Saint Paul VI Institute
How to Recognize Normal vs. Abnormal Cycle Patterns
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Abnormal cycle patterns and their possible causes: Learn what’s normal and abnormal during the menstrual cycle, root causes of abnormalities, and treatment options. Get an overview of what a “normal” cycle should look like with detailed insights on issues like pain and discomfort, spotting, and cycle phase length — from menarche through perimenopause.
Learning Objectives
1) Differentiate between a normal and abnormal menstrual cycle
2) Recognize how diet can play a role in the menstrual cycle and suggest dietary strategies
3) Know the common causes of cycle abnormalities, and basic steps to treat the underlying abnormalities.
4) Describe to a patient what a “normal” menstrual cycle should look like from menarche to peri-menopause, including issues like pain and discomfort, spotting, and cycle phase length
Nicholas Kongoasa
Medical Director, Reproductive Health Medicine & Gynecology
Restorative Healthcare In Practice
CME Credit: 1.00
Description
Explore this doctor’s approach to restorative reproductive healthcare, and the power and advancements being taken in minimally invasive surgery. A restorative, and holistic pattern of care can be successful in treating reproductive disorders, increase fertility outcomes and increase overall female health.
Learning Objectives
1) Describe the concept of a restorative approach to abnormal reproductive health
2) Recognize how a restorative, and holistic pattern of care can be successful in treating reproductive disorders, increase fertility outcomes and increase overall female health
3) Briefly describe the 3 reproductive systems of female health that are addressed in this course: Endocrinology, Physiology, Immunology
4) Illustrate positive measures and advances that have been taken in restorative surgery for reproductive health
Dr. Garry W. Lambert, D.O
Founder of Anemos Medical Consulting and Natural Fertility Care
Introduction To Acupuncture As A Complementary Treatment For SubFertility
CME Credit: 1.00
Description
Explore the collaborative approach acupuncture can play in reproductive health during the diagnostic and treatment process, and consider the evidence to support the potential effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary or adjunct treatment in reproductive health and overall wellness.
Learning Objectives
1) Describe what acupuncture is
2) Understand the use of medical acupuncture as a natural fertility enhancement
3) Describe the collaborative approach acupuncture can play in Restorative Reproductive Medicine during the diagnostic and treatment process
4) State which conditions have strong evidence to support the potential effectiveness of acupuncture as a complementary or adjunct treatment
Dr. Rene Leiva
Assistant Professor, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa
Innovation in Ovulation Prediction Devices
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Explore the evidence of best markers for ovulation predictions and confirmation of ovulation for couples aiming to conceive. Review recent effciency studies in PdG testing.
Learning Objectives
1) Understand how urinary hormonal markers may assist in increasing the efficacy of Fertility Awareness Based Methods
2) Recognize patterns in hormones involved in the menstrual cycle and how an imbalance of these hormones can sometimes contribute to infertility issues
3) Advise women who are monitoring at home progesterone levels on how to use this information to predict ovulation and on how to use this information to assist with conception
4) Have greater confidence in supporting women utilizing ovulation prediction devices in practice.
Dr. Martin Owen
Founder and CMO of Vitae Medical Solutions
Empowering Men, Too
CME Credit: 1.25
Description
Dr. Martin Owen discusses the impact of engaging men in the fertility awareness lifestyle in order to optimize physical health, communication, and relational harmony.
Learning Objectives
1) List lifestyle factors that can affect male fertility
2) Describe how to collect a semen sample “at home”
3) Identify the top diagnoses in male factor infertility
4) Recognize the importance to encourage male participation in a couple that has fertility issues
Dr. Martin Owen
Founder and CMO of Vitae Medical Solutions
Fertility as a Shared Gift - Reproductive and Hormonal Health in Men
CME Credit: 1.00
Description
The male cycle and combined male/female fertility: Wait– do men have a cycle!? Get surprising info on the ‘male cycle’ and important signs of reproductive and hormonal health in men. With male infertility rising, learn why a cooperative approach to fertility is important for couples’ mindsets and healthcare strategies.
Learning Objectives
1) Recognize that fertility is a physiologic process dependent on the proper functioning of the male and female reproductive systems
2) Describe the connection between the pituitary and the testicles in male reproductive physiology.
3) Develop a framework for assessment of male fertility (anatomy, physiology)
4) Describe lifestyle behaviors that are shown to be associated with erectile dysfunction
Dr. Tracey Parnell
Director of Communications & Development, International Institute of Restorative Reproductive Medicine
Got PCOS? You're Not Alone
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
What is PCOS? Look at the different criteria used in the diagnosis of PCOS, and how a restorative approach can provide management and treatment, instead of just covering up the disease.
Learning Objectives
1) Define Restorative Reproductive Medicine (RRM)
2) Describe how RRM approaches and treats PCOS and how conventional medicine often approaches treatment
3) State the Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS and how to recognize PCOS-related signs and symptoms in patients
4) Recognize the importance of individual management of PCOS-related signs and symptoms
Karen D. Poehailos
Family Physician, Regional Medical Director at Thrive Central VA Woman's Healthcare
Progesterone & Pregnancy - Rethinking The Normalcy of Miscarriage
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Progesterone support in pregnancy / recurrent miscarriage: Progesterone is key to menstrual cycle health and vital to sustaining a healthy pregnancy through complete gestation. Dr. Karen Poehailos describes the effective, restorative approach that challenges the standard of care for recurrent miscarriage.
Learning Objectives
1) Evaluate the individual use of progesterone support in pregnancy and recurrent miscarriage
2) Describe why progesterone is key to the menstrual cycle health and vital to sustaining a healthy pregnancy
3) Recognize indications of low or unbalanced progesterone during a women’s cycle that would suggest supplementation
4) Identify common phytoestrogens (endocrine disruptors) that can mimic estrogen and disrupt normal ovarian function.
Sammi Ratcliffe
MSN, CNM, WHNP-BC, CBC
Fertility Awareness Methods Overview: Which Method is best for my patient?
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Overview of different fertility awareness methods. With so many different fertility awareness based charting methods to choose from, deciding which method is the best fit for a patient can be daunting. Sammi Ratcliffe brings her experience working with women of every life stage with different health statuses, fertility goals, and personal convictions to help you assist your patients in discerning which method is best for them.
Learning Objectives
1) Recognize different patients may utilize different Fertility Awareness Based Methods (FABMS) and may change methods depending on their needs, circumstances, and goals
2) Suggest a FABM for their patient based on the factors above
3) Assist in guiding patients to choose their own FABM and support them in effective use
4) Recall the typical-use and perfect-use effectiveness of FABMS
Joseph Stanford
Professor University of Utah
What Can We Really Know About The Effectiveness of FABMs?
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Effectiveness of fertility-awareness based methods; What research do we have on how effective fertility awareness based methods are for spacing pregnancy? Is it even possible to compare effectiveness between methods based on the data? Professor Joseph Stanford translates research and statistics terms into understandable language in this fascinating session.
Learning Objectives
1) Review the concepts of pregnancy rates, effectiveness, perfect use, typical use, and fertility behaviour, in relation to natural family planning, fertility awareness, and fertility appreciation methods.
2) Become familiar with statistical approaches used in determining effectiveness
3) Understand strengths and weaknesses of existing studies, and recognize the need for more higher quality studies
4) Share perspective on existing measures of effectiveness with patients and colleagues.
Dr. Pilar Vigil
Obstetrics/Gynecology, Reproductive Physiology (PhD), FEMM Medical Training
Ovulation: The Little-Known Vital Health Indicator
CME Credit: 2.0
Description
Understanding Ovulation as a sign of Health : In this epic deep dive into the sequential events leading up to ovulation, Dr. Pilar Vigil reveals the what, why, and how this is not just a function of reproduction: ovulation is a key indicator and remarkably reliable sign of health.
Learning Objectives
1) Describe the normal female menstrual cycle, and understand the concept of anovulatory cycling
2) Differentiate when cycle variants are part of the continuum and when they may indicate health issues
3) Suggest reasons for abnormal bleeding and cycle variations.
4) Understand why ovulation is a sign of health and how it can be used to identify, different pathologies that may present during a woman’s life
5) Recognize fertility indicators that can be used to identify and interpret women’s reproductive health
Naomi Whittaker
M.D., OB/GYN, FCI, CFCMC
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety – A Restorative Approach to Recovery
CME Credit: 1.50
Description
Postpartum depression and anxiety — restorative approach to treament; An estimated one in seven women suffer from depression in the year after giving birth—and most mothers do not get help. What exactly is postpartum depression—is there a known cause? Naomi Whittaker outlines the mainstream western approach to Postpartum Depression and Anxiety before revealing how she has learned to work cooperatively with a woman’s body to treat the underlying causes and improve mental health.
Learning Objectives
1) Increased knowledge of restorative and emerging treatments for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
2) Increased awareness and recognition of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety in women
3) Suggest possible causes of PPD
4) Distinguish the difference between synthetic and bio-identical progesterone formulation choices
Elisa Yao, M.D.
Founder of Fertility Breakthru Academy
Can You Bio-Hack Egg Quality?
CME Credit: 1.25
Description
Bio-hacking egg age and quality. Dr. Elisa Yao brings her extensive medical and personal experience to patents wanting to ‘dial back the biological clock’ and bio-hack egg quality. In this session you’ll learn why AMH measurement isn’t the only marker that matters, signs of egg health (including clues patent’s can be taught to uncover through charting), the biomarkers for ovarian reserve as well as natural methods to improve egg quality.
Learning Objectives
1) Recognize why AMH measurement isn’t as meaningful a marker in Restorative Reproductive Medicine
2) Recognize how the AMH can be a useful indicator of PCOS
3) Describe the signs of egg health and how these can be identified through cycle charting
4) Describe the biomarkers for ovarian reserve and suggest natural methods to improve egg quality
Patrick Yeung, Jr.
Associate Professor, St. Louis University
Killer Cramps Are Not Normal
CME Credit: 1.25
Description
Discover how restorative approaches to endometriosis treatment can prevent recurrance eleminating the need for postoperative hormonal suppression.
Learning Objectives
1) Review the clinical presentation and diagnosis of endometriosis
2) Discuss the potential benefits of new hormonal and surgical therapies available for endometriosis that are also restorative in nature
3) Employ approaches to treatment for endometriosis that invite patient preferences, goals, and values into clinical decision making
4) Differentiate the pros and cons of various therapies and treatments for managing endometriosis
Dr. Paul Yong
Gynecologist
The Endometriosis Enigma
CME Credit: 1.00
Description
Explore restorative medical management strategies for the successful care and management of patients with endometriosis.
Learning Objectives
1) Develop greater competence in developing strategies for initial evaluation and assessment of women presenting with chronic pelvic pain and possible endometriosis
2) Recognize the need for individualized care strategies based on both clinical considerations and patient preferences and/or priorities
3) Appropriately incorporate restorative medical management strategies into the care of patients with endometriosis
Kate Webster & Marc Sherman
Founder of Organic Conceptions
Navigating Infertility: Practitioner Strategies to Manage the Emotional Impact of Fertility Clients
CME Credit: 4.50
Description
This four-lesson class will take participants through the evidence-based approach that emerged from a multi-year study of couples who unexpectedly overcame infertility. Practitioners will learn the statistical importance of the 9 transitions that couples experience and the impact on their sense of self, ability to ope, and willingness to stay engaged in life. Upon completion, the practitioner will be able to stage clients across the 9 transitions, apply strategies that will help them to validate critical emotions, and provide techniques to reshapre and reframe common but powerful distortions in thinking that can impact a client’s emotional health and well-being.
Learning Objectives
1) List the statistical importance of the 9 Transitions that fertility couples experienced
2) Define the role that societal expectations and pressures have on an infertile couple’s identity
3) Understand the impact of “Becoming a Patient” and the compliant behaviour that accompanies the infertility label
4) Identify the moments of transition and triggers that lead to acceptance of one’s situation