The SREI and SMRU Fellows Symposia: A Look Back
On August 21 - 24, 2024, REI and Andrology Fellows convened in Park City, Utah, to gain valuable insights, learn from leaders in the field, and network with other fellows. The first SMRU Fellows Symposium and long-standing SREI Fellows Symposium covered a comprehensive range of topics related to career paths, social media in REI, practice setup, early career challenges, industry relationships, scholarship, academia, negotiation, advocacy, personal and professional development, and more.
The 2024 SREI Fellows Symposium
ASRM and SREI would like to offer a special thank you and heartfelt congratulations to Drs. Sara Morelli and Kenan Omurtag for organizing an amazing symposium. This was their second year organizing this symposium and their fourth year working on the committee. Their meticulous planning and attention to detail were evident throughout, and it truly paid off in creating a fantastic experience for everyone involved. We would also like to extend a huge thank-you to Ferring Pharmaceuticals, Inc., for continuing to be the Premier Supporter of the 2024 SREI Fellows Symposium. In addition, we are thankful for our networking sponsors: Boston IVF, Fertility Specialists Network, Inception, LLC, and U.S. Fertility.
We are thrilled to announce that this year we had the largest group of SREI Fellows to date. 115 first- and third-year fellows were joined by 16 faculty from Wednesday to Saturday to cover sessions and small groups on topics such as social media in REI, how to make the most of fellowship, decision-making for type of career to pursue - when and how, choosing a thesis topic and mentor, how to build a clinical practice, ABOG certification, best use of APPs, and how to stay engaged in learning past fellowship. Attendees were engaged and eager to learn and develop their careers alongside their network of peers.
Next year, Drs. Lowell Ku and Irene Su will chair the SREI Fellows Symposium. They have already begun planning and are eager to take on the challenge and continue the tradition of excellence that has been established over the years.
The First SMRU Fellows Symposium
The inaugural SMRU Fellows Symposium was a resounding success, bringing together Andrology Fellows for an enriching two-day event designed to illuminate their path forward in Reproductive Urology. This symposium offered an unparalleled platform for both learning and forging enduring professional connections with peers and mentors.
Our comprehensive curriculum fostered networking and education across a spectrum of domains, transcending conventional boundaries. From maximizing the fellowship experience to navigating the early stages of a career, participants gained invaluable insights for both academic and non-academic pursuits. Additionally, the symposium provided joint networking opportunities with REI Fellows, further enhancing the collaborative learning environment, enhancing opportunities for networking and establishing collaborative, career-long relationships.
Key discussions covered crafting compelling fellow theses, effective collaboration with various practitioners, and strategies for stress management. Attendees also received practical advice on achieving work-life harmony and preparing for the realities of professional life.
We were honored to have Chairs Matt Coward and Akanksha Mehta, along with SMRU President Kathleen Hwang, leading the event. Their expertise and guidance were invaluable to the program's success.
The symposium was generously sponsored by Fellow, Path Fertility, Progyny, Inception, LLC, and Posterity Health. Their contributions ensured the event was not only informative but also provided a welcoming environment for professional growth.
We look forward to the continued success of our Fellows and the future of the SMRU Fellows Symposium, where knowledge and connections made here will undoubtedly support their professional journeys. Thank you to all participants, speakers, and sponsors for making this inaugural event an inspiring and productive experience