What Happens In The IVF Lab?

What Happens
In The IVF Lab?

Q&A:
with Mevlude Arifova

At Generation Next Fertility, our focus is on the patient and not just protocols. We offer both traditional IVF as well as Natural IVF, Luteal Phase stimulation, and a whole host of other treatments because every patient is different. Behind every unique treatment cycle and patient success story is a member of the GNF team, who makes individualizing fertility care look easy.

We wanted to take a moment to highlight Mevlude Arifova, IVF Lab Supervisor, and Sr. Embryologist, Endocrinology, Andrology & Embryology Supervisor here at GNF. Mevlude or Mev for short, has over 10 years working in IVF both in New York City and Los Angeles and has a front row seat to advances in fertility care.

Tell us a little about yourself and career?
First let me say what a great field to be a part of. Helping build families and be able to give patients hope is a privilege. In college at SUNY New Paltz I worked in a reference laboratory and got my first taste of medicine. I thought maybe I’d go into OBGYN but then got a job in an IVF lab and haven’t looked back. I got my professional start at another IVF center here in New York City.

After a few years and spending my whole life in NYC, I took an embryology position with a highly acclaimed IVF center in Los Angeles where I worked for 8 years. I moved back to NYC last year and joined the GNF team! It’s been a great place to work – the people and the commitment to patient-based care not just offering the same protocols to everyone.

Where did you grow up in New York City?
I’m a Bronx girl and grew up in the Arthur Avenue neighborhood. My family settled there as immigrants from Macedonia. When I was in high school, I worked at a concession stand in Yankee Stadium!

What do you love about reproductive medicine and embryology?
Everything! The science of the field has changed so much in just the last 10-years from extended embryo culture, to blast biopsy and PTG-A, to synchrony and frozen embryo transfer. Plus, GNF is just a handful of infertility centers in the US routinely offering Natural IVF which offers good success rates but with fewer injections.

Is there someone in your life who directed you towards medicine?
My Dad and Mom. Always focused on doing my best and offering my best to others – especially my patients. I visited family back in Macedonia when I was younger and really appreciate the opportunities I’ve had personally and professionally here now. My patients pushed me in all the right ways.

What makes GNF a special place to work?
Two things: The people here are great, and 100% committed to the patient. And the willingness of the providers to explore other treatment options like Natural IVF, luteal phase stimulation, and PRP. Everything is on the table for our patients. Traditional IVF is great but some patients need something different.

As an embryologist do you get to interact with patients?
Yes, at GNF I’m talking with patients every day about results and lab reports. I love helping them understand how we look at things in the lab. I think the additional information and time on the phone gives back some of the control they lose during infertility care.

Do you have a favorite book or movie?
Yes, no question Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Just some light reading, I know (Laughs). As far as movies, I love si-fi that’s the embryologist in me. Avatar is great, I will always stop to watch if it’s on. I am more Star Wars than Star Trek. A New Hope, the first Star Wars movie is still the best!

Favorite Food?
Pizza – Prego’s in the Bronx. Arthur Avenue. Period.

First concert?
Coachella Music and Arts Festival. I saw Ariana Grande and The Weekend there. Wow, what a show. Embryologists can rock!