The CHE-Fertility and Reproductive Health Working Group hosted a discussion that highlighted the role of the Environment and Special Interest Group (ERSIG) at the American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM), a premier reproductive society. ERSIG was established in 2007, and has since then promoted an environmental focus within ASRM. The mission of ERSIG is to enhance understanding of environmental factors on reproductive health through excellence in education, research and clinical practice.
We heard reports from the following ASRM members on environmental health highlights from this year's ASRM conference, which took place in Atlanta, Georgia, October 17-21, 2009:
- Andrew R. La Barbera, PhD, HCLD, Scientific Director, American Society for Reproductive Medicine, Adjunct Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alabama Birmingham School of Medicine, Professor Emeritus of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine
- Susan Benoff, PhD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics & Gynecology and of Cell Biology and Director, Fertility Research Laboratories, New York University School of Medicine; and Chair-Elect of ERSIG
- Michael Diamond, MD, Kamran S. Moghissi Professor and Associate Chair of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Director, Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Assistant Dean for Clinical and Translational Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine, and Director, Detroit Regional Institute for Clinical and Translational Research; and Secretary of ERSIG
- Kevin Osteen, PhD, Professor, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; and ERSIG Treasurer
Steve Heilig, MPH, Director of Public Health and Education, San Francisco Medical Society and CHE, moderated this call.