The ARCS CPD scheme is set up to meet the specialist requirements of reproductive scientists and practitioners, and aims to help members continue to learn, develop and evolve their skills and practice throughout their working career.
ARCS CPD Committee
Valerie Shakily
Chair of CPD Committee
Valerie, a founder partner of the Association of Clinical Embryologists, graduated in Biology in 1990 and began training as an embryologist under the tutorship of Lord Winston. She has since gained a masters degree in Health Promotion, PhD in Reproductive Immunology, Fellowship of the Royal Collage of Pathologists, Academy of Healthcare Science and Institute of Biomedical Scientists and is registered as a consultant clinical scientist specialising in genomic medicine within reproductive science. Working within her specialism to promote training of embryologists Val is chair of the panel of examiners for Reproductive |Science for the RCPath and assessor for the Association of Clinical Science. She is the training lead for the Association of Reproductive Clinical Scientists support staff and member of the continuing professional development committee.
Valerie Shakily
Chair of CPD Committee
Christine Leary
CPD Committee member
Christine Leary (BSc, HCPC, FRCPath, PhD) Christine is a Consultant Embryologist and Director at the Hull IVF Unit, with over 19 years’ of experience. She is responsible for managing the Embryology Laboratory and Quality Management and coordinating research activities between the Hull IVF Unit and Hull York Medical School and is an Honorary Lecturer. Christine has been a member of the Professional Development Committee for the ACE (now ARCS) since 2006.
Christine Leary
CPD Committee member
Charlene Freeman
CPD Committee Member
I work as an embryologist at Leicester Fertility Centre. I Started my training in September 2006 gaining my ACE certificate at the 2011 ACE conference. I became state registered in early 2012. I sit on the NEQAS steering committee as well as the CPD committee. I am described as a consistent embryologist by my line manager
Charlene Freeman
CPD Committee Member
Jackson Kirkman-Brown
CPD Committee Member
Having had previous experience in organizing events prior to my post on the STP such as coordinating an International Clinical Trials Day Event at the Royal Free Hospital in London, and having volunteered in my second year of the STP as Co-chair of the North West Healthcare Science Trainee Network, I was keen to get involved in a volunteer role within my own specialism. Being passionate about both outreach and embryology and in the midst of my STP training I applied for the post of Pre-Registrant Representative on the (then) ACE Executive Committee. I have been in the role of Pre-Registrant Representative for just under one year, and thus far it has been an incredibly rewarding position and I could not have asked to be involved in a nicer or more supportive committee! In the role I have organized two well attended and highly recommended events: a Revision session for pre-registrant candidates and a wider, pioneering Research Day for the entire ACE membership. During my tenure so far, I have instigated a buddy-up system to pair experienced graduates with first and second year trainees to provide, not only a source of pastoral care, but also an external point of advice. Although still in its infancy, I am hoping this scheme will prove to be an invaluable resource for pre-registrant candidates especially to those who have relocated far from home for the STP or to those who have joined clinics who have little experience with the process. I would also like to run Theory Days providing a platform for learning on the more complex concepts that underpin the everyday workings in the lab, by welcoming high-profile lecturers, speakers and researchers in the field. I am also interested in compounding these events with more social aspects to promote support and networking opportunities for pre-registrant members. I look forward to contributing further to the committee over the coming years and can’t wait to see what the future holds for ARCS!
Jackson Kirkman-Brown
CPD Committee Member
George Southall-Brown
CPD Committee Member
"Hello, I’m George and I’m a second year Trainee Clinical Andrologist at the Shropshire and Mid Wales Fertility Centre in Shrewsbury. My master’s degree project involved developing a new microfluidic device design for use in sperm preparation during ART, and I’m interested in how we will implement new technologies such as this over my career to improve patient outcomes. I will primarily be helping with the Andrology CPD opportunities, such as writing the JBLs. Hopefully there will be something for everyone."
George Southall-Brown
CPD Committee Member
Bayan Osmani
CPD Committee Member
"Hi, I’m Bay and I’m a Senior Embryologist at Homerton Fertility Centre in East London. I’m thrilled to be part of the CPD committee. Having pursued several professional development courses alongside ACE / ARCs CPD over the years, I’m keen to share how external CPD resources can benefit personal progression. As I passed my FRCPATH part 2 exam in 2020, my focus is on identifying professional development opportunities to support the HSST-by-equivalence route. So for all those on the same track - watch this space!"
Bayan Osmani
CPD Committee Member
Jennifer Nisbett
CPD Committee Member
"Hi I’m Jen, I’m a Senior Embryologist at the Bristol Centre for Reproductive Medicine. I am currently in my second year of the HSST programme which, in addition to my two little boys, is keeping me very busy! I’m excited to join the CPD committee and believe that CPD should be enriching rather than a chore. I am keen to provide opportunities for members to make the most of activities they already undertake and I have been working on setting up a CPD quiz to accompany the ARCS 365 programme. "
Jennifer Nisbett
CPD Committee Member