From Senior Embryologist to Lab Director: Beanie Welch’s Journey at FINO

What does it take to grow from a senior embryologist into a lab director while pursuing a PhD, raising a family and continuing to care for patients? Beanie Welch, PhD, HCLD (ABB), Lab Director at The Fertility Institute of New Orleans (FINO), a First Fertility practice, shares the story of a professional journey she once might not have imagined for herself. After more than 15 years at FINO, Beanie was encouraged to pursue her PhD and take the next step toward becoming Lab Director. Then, just six months into her studies, FINO became part of First Fertility. Beanie wondered what that change would mean for the path she had already started. “First Fertility didn't really know Beanie, but First Fertility took a chance on me.” In this conversation, Beanie talks about the support she received from First Fertility, the importance of collaboration and autonomy within an IVF lab, and why opportunities for continued education matter for embryologists at every stage of their careers. She also shares what she tells people considering a career in embryology: spend time in a lab, understand what the work really requires, find your why and never say never. Today, Beanie is paying that support forward by welcoming future embryologists into her lab to shadow, learn and decide whether this work is right for them. Some have gone on to train with her and become senior embryologists themselves. For Beanie, professional growth isn't only about where her own career has taken her. It's also about helping create a path for the embryologists who come next. Interested in learning more about embryology opportunities across the First Fertility network? Explore embryology opportunities with First Fertility: https://firstfertility.com/join-our-t...