Human Teratogens Course - Project Summary/Abstract
Human Teratogens Course
The Human Teratogens Course, directed by Sarah G. Običan, MD, is co-sponsored by the
University of South Florida (USF) Health, the Society for Birth Defects Research and Prevention
(BDRP), and the Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS). The Human
Teratogens Course is a three-day educational meeting held virtually every two years. The next
Course will take place November 13-15, 2023. The Human Teratogens Course is a unique
educational opportunity that aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of healthcare providers in
the field of human teratology. The course is targeted toward healthcare professionals and
trainees involved in the care of people who are pregnant or lactating as well as their infants.
These healthcare professionals include but are not limited to, obstetricians, gynecologists,
perinatologists, neonatologists, pediatricians, genetic counselors, teratogen information
specialists, and pharmacists. The course may also be of interest to researchers and scientists
involved in the field of teratology. The course will be led by a team of expert faculty members
and consist of lectures that will cover basic principles of teratology, embryology, epidemiology,
and teratogen risk assessment and communication. The course will also provide up-to-date
information on various exposures that providers are likely to encounter in their practice. The
course aims to provide participants with the tools and resources they may to identify, evaluate,
and manage exposures in people who are pregnant and their infants, ultimately leading to
improved outcomes for these individuals. The course was previously held in person in Tampa,
Florida in 2019 and virtually in 2021. The virtual course drew participants from 30 different
States as well as 15 different countries. The upcoming course will be a virtual event with live
presentations. The virtual format will enable participants from different locations to attend. The
virtual format will also include interactive question-and-answer sessions that will facilitate
engagement among participants.