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 February 23-25,2026. 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 pregnant and breastfeeding women and 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 pregnant women 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 and 2023. 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.
