"From Machon Puah"

Training Supervisors

As we stated last week, we do not actively seek women with a medical or a biology background to act as our supervisors. Rather, we seek women who are able to work in close and intense conditions and who are very discreet and easy to work with. The women also need to come with impeccable religious credentials in order that there will be no questions about the validity of the supervision and whether it is “kosher” enough.
After locating and interviewing potential supervisors they then undergo extensive training where they have to read and study various books and articles regarding fertility treatment, laboratory procedures and the inter- face with the halacha.
They do not need to be expert either in the medical procedures or in the halacha, but they do need a good working knowledge in both areas. As it happens, most supervisors do develop a good expertise and a breadth of knowledge of fertility treatments and through the many cases they have a fine understanding of the halachic ramifications, but this is not a requirement for them to work as supervisors.
The next stage of training is for them to see a working fertility clinic and laboratory in action. The supervisors are taken around the lab, and shown the methods and equipment used in the lab. They see where they are to stand at every stage of the process and how they can have the best vantage points without disrupting the regular working of the lab.
In addition they are shown the possible problems that can occur in each procedure and at what points that have to be especially vigilant.
The final portion of the training program is when they accompany a veteran supervisor on her work and learn on the job how to overcome any difficulties and trials that may occur.
Only when the supervisor has completed all of these stages and is confident that she can perform her duties as required, and Puah is convinced that she is ready and capable of being a supervisor, then she can work in this capacity.
While this is the completion of the formal training, we supply continuing education with regular chances for the supervisors to ask an expert about certain issues that have arisen during her experience as a supervisor. In addition we update the supervisors regarding new procedures that are being used in the labs and clinics and how these may present new challenges in the area of supervision.
How do couples use supervision?  More on this next week.

• Other "From Machon Puah"
• Supervision - is it really necessary?
• Supervision - Who are the Supervisors
• Supervision - The Practice