Featuring Jayne Mullen, Victorian Scientific Director
World Embryologist Day provides the perfect opportunity to spotlight the incredible work embryologists do behind the scenes. These professionals play a vital role in helping individuals and couples realise their dreams of parenthood, often overcoming significant challenges. With this, we’re thrilled to introduce you to our Victorian Scientific Director, Jayne Mullen.
Jayne’s journey in embryology is marked by her passion, precision, and pursuit for excellence. Her contributions to the field and her leadership as the President of Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) have made significant impacts on the lives of many.
In this blog article, Jayne Mullen shares insights into the role of an embryologist, the evolution of the field, and her vision for the future of embryology.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your career that particularly stands out to you and why it was so impactful?
“One of my favourite and most rewarding success story is my cousin who came through for IVF treatment. After quite a number of attempts and a great amount of determination she had two day three embryos (both eight cells) transferred and nine months later had two beautiful baby boys arrived. The twins are now 21 and it still makes me smile every time I see them. That’s what I love doing every day as an embryologist – bringing so much joy and creating families! Note that we mostly transfer one day five embryo these days!”
How has the field of embryology evolved since you started your career?
“Embryology has developed vastly since I started as a trainee in the 1990’s. The introduction of complex culture media, stringent quality control measures and electronic witnessing in the laboratory has led to increased pregnancy outcomes for patients with greater safety and efficacy. For me there are three improvements we have introduced into our laboratory practice which have made the biggest differences in pregnancy outcomes.
Firstly, is the culturing of embryos to the blastocyst (day five) day of development in order to select the embryo with the highest potential for implantation and achieving a pregnancy. Secondly, the introduction of vitrification (fast freezing) of embryos has led to survival rate of >98% of embryos when they are warmed for a frozen embryo transfer, compared to 50% survival with the slow freezing techniques in the early days. And thirdly, the introduction of genetic testing of embryos has resulted in patients being able to avoid known genetic diseases in their children.”
What opportunities do you see for young scientists entering the field of embryology?
“Scientists entering into the field of embryology have the unique opportunity to be closely involved with not only the gametes but the patients on their IVF journey. Embryologists communicate fertilisation results and embryo development updates to patients at City Fertility as well as select the best potential embryo for transfer. They are then part of the embryo transfer in collaboration with the patient’s IVF specialist. It’s a very rewarding role.”
If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring embryologists, what would it be and why?
“Embryology is one of the most rewarding careers in the world. It requires huge dedication to continually learn new techniques and technologies but the quest to improve pregnancy outcomes for our patients is a wonderful challenge.”
What does World Embryologist Day mean to you, and how do you believe it can help raise awareness about the importance of embryology?
“World Embryology Day is to recognise and celebrate the birth of the world’s first IVF baby, Louise Brown who was born in England on 25th July 1978. Scientists in Reproductive Technology (SIRT) in Australia and New Zealand, take the opportunity to connect in each state and territory at WED events with educational events which include talks given by leaders in the field of ART.
As Chair of SIRT, I believe connecting with our peers, hearing about current research and promoting the education of embryologists will lead to further greater advancements in improving IVF pregnancy rates for our patients. What is great about SIRT is that everyone from students to Scientific Director level attend and exchange ideas at these meetings.”
As we celebrate World Embryologist Day, we honour the passion and precision that professionals like Jayne Mullen bring to their work every day. Their commitment not only advances the field of embryology but also brings hope and joy to countless families.
Join us in celebrating World Embryologist Day and recognising the incredible contributions of embryologists worldwide.
