As part of our series of interviews with members of the BioCouriers team, today we would like to introduce the first of the IVF transfer coordinators, Romana Belicová. The work of the coordinator is essential for the safe and smooth transport of reproductive cells, which is crucial for the success of the treatment.
Can you tell us about your role in the transport of reproductive cells? How would you describe your job to the general public?
I act as a liaison between the client, the clinic and our courier throughout the process. With the client and clinic, I handle all the necessary documents for the IVF transfer while our courier plans the transfer routes. The work of the coordinator is mainly about communication, arranging flights and preparing the various documents necessary for the transport of such sensitive cells as sperm, eggs or embryos.
How did you get into the job of IVF transfer coordinator and how long have you been doing it?
I got the job of IVF coordinator by good fortune when moving from Bratislava to Brno. Before that I was also involved in logistics, but it was a different kind of transport - hand carry is a much more interesting way of transporting reproductive cells. Soon I will have been at BioCouriers for a year.
What makes working for BioCouriers attractive for you?
I am a linguist by training, so I really enjoy communicating in different foreign languages. However, I also like to travel and, in this job, I interact with people from literally all over the world.
Do you specialize in shipping reproductive cells to specific countries? Or is the choice of destinations rather random?
We divide our transports by language. I specialize in the Spanish and Latin American markets, but I also often handle transports via Portugal, Germany or Italy. Client requirements are varied, so I sometimes handle transports to and from Asia or even Africa.
What is the biggest challenge you have had to deal with as a coordinator so far?
Probably the biggest recurring challenge for me is last-minute transfers. I once dealt with an urgent egg shipment from Kiev to Barcelona. We had three days to fully arrange the transfer, which is an extremely short time. Yet we did it!
Is there any experience that has stuck in your mind? What are the most interesting or significant cases of reproductive cell transfer that you have witnessed?
The most beautiful thing is when clients for whom we have organized a transport send us messages that their baby has been born. It gives you a real sense of satisfaction that you have helped someone fulfil their dream.
How do you see the future of reproductive cell transport in light of new technologies and regulations?
Medicine is still evolving and advancing by leaps and bounds. I think new technologies will allow for even greater advances in IVF and reproductive cell transport. Regulations vary a bit in each country, but hopefully we will see a speeding up of bureaucracy in the future with new and faster processes.
Do you think automation and digitalisation can replace some aspects of your work?
Some of this will happen for sure and I will welcome it with pleasure! We are already planning to automate some simple tasks, and it will make our work much easier. However, human contact and transport planning will certainly remain up to us coordinators for the time being.