Genetics SIG

The purpose of the Reproductive Genetics SIG shall be to establish an organized presence of geneticists, genetic counsellors, and related professionals (reproductive endocrinologists, andrologists, embryologists, ethicists) within the CAFS with the following aims:

To promote and facilitate translation of knowledge of reproductive genetics to the professionals in the field of human reproduction (natural and assisted) covering but not limited to the areas of female/male
fertility, embryo genetics, preimplantation/prenatal genetics, genetic screening, genetic testing methods and new techniques, interpretation and impact of genetic results, ethical implications, pharmacogenetics and personalized treatment in reproduction, gene editing and gene therapies.
To promote the study and discussion of all aspects of the genetics and epigenetics of human reproduction (natural or assisted).
To establish a system of producing and maintaining evidence-based and ethically sound guidelines for reproductive genetic testing, reporting and counselling.
To establish and coordinate research, education, and training in preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), and reinforce the collaboration of obstetricians, fertility specialists, embryologists and human geneticists, to insure the implementation of the appropriate PGT technology for the improvement of ART.
To establish and coordinate research, education, and training in genetic counselling related to reproductive genetics (in coordination with the CAGC Fertility SIG)
To study the transmission of maternal and paternal genotypes via the gametes and the zygote to the next generation and the way in which this new combination of genetic material expresses itself and is modulated by epigenetic influences.
To provide a forum for discussion and exchange of information on regulations of gene editing, gene therapy and reproductive genetics in ARTs
To serve as a resource to health care professions, and the lay public (journalist, politicians) on issues concerning reproductive genetics
To discuss patient psychosocial issues surrounding genetic testing in ART

Prof. Elias M. Dahdouh, MD, MSc, GREI

Chair

Prof. Elias Dahdouh is a board-certified specialist in Obstetrics-Gynecology and Gynecologic Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility (GREI), certified by the Collège des Médecins du Québec (CMQ). He earned his MD from Saint Joseph University of Beirut, completed an Obstetrics and Gynecology residency at the Université de Montréal, and specialized in GREI at Procrea Clinics, Montreal. He also holds an MSc in Assisted Reproduction and Human Embryology from IVI–Valencia University, Spain.

He is the Founding Medical Director of the Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) Center at CHU Sainte-Justine (CHUSJ) and an Associate Professor at the Université de Montréal, with over 20 years of experience in clinical medicine, research, and academic leadership. A nationally and internationally recognized expert, he advanced Quebec’s publicly funded IVF standards as Immediate Past Chair of the ART Committee for the Ministry of Health.

At CHUSJ, Prof. Dahdouh developed an integrated ART platform offering Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT), Onco-fertility services (sperm, oocyte, and ovarian tissue cryopreservation), and advanced Recurrent Pregnancy Loss (RPL) management using genetic analysis of products of conception. A highly experienced reproductive surgeon, he has personally performed thousands of embryo transfers and oocyte retrievals, including complex trans-uterine and trans-abdominal procedures. Under his leadership, the ART Center achieves pregnancy rates exceeding 55% per single frozen untested blastocyst transfer (his personal rate >64%), with over 5,000 successful IVF births, <1% multiple pregnancy rate, and an OHSS-free program. He also leads Canada’s largest adolescent Onco-fertility program, with over 50 ovarian tissue cryopreservation procedures.

Prof. Dahdouh is a distinguished researcher and educator, authoring over 80 peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and book chapters. He was lead author of the 2015 SOGC guidelines on Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis/Screening (PGD/PGS) and is among the most cited Canadian authors in PGT, including landmark work on PGT-A recognized by the ABOG for subspecialty recertification reading lists in 2018 and 2021.

A frequent international speaker, he has delivered over 150 invited lectures at CFAS, ASRM, ESHRE, ACOG, MEFS, UAE Reproductive Symposium, and GynFoch. He serves as a peer reviewer for top journals, leads professional training in IVF/ART, PGT, and RPL, and is Founder and Scientific Director of the Biennial ART Symposium at CHUSJ.

Prof. Dahdouh is an active member of CFAS since 2002, contributing extensively to reproductive genetics and PGT through guideline development and education. He currently serves as President of the Association of Fertility Specialists of Quebec (AFQ), President of the CFAS Genetics Special Interest Group, and Member of the Provincial Committee on PGT. His work has been recognized with the LSOG Honorary Award (2017) and the MEFS Best Service Award (2025).

Deeply committed to patient-centered care, Prof. Dahdouh is widely respected for his compassionate approach, personalized follow-up, and strong relationships with patients, complementing his cutting-edge scientific expertise.

Andrea Djolovic, BSc, Certified Genetic Counsellor

Executive Member

Andrea Djolovic earned her Master’s in Genetic Counselling from Cardiff University in 2016. She is a Canadian certified genetic counsellor with over eight years of experience spanning clinical practice, hospital administration, and private genetics services. As the founder of GenomiCare, a private genetic counselling clinic, Andrea has dedicated her career to addressing service delivery gaps in genetics, particularly within fertility care, where access challenges can be significant.

Through private practice, Andrea has successfully expanded patient access to critical services, including expanded carrier screening, whole exome diagnostic testing, and prenatal exome testing. Andrea and her team of genetic counsellors and physicians help patients in making complex reproductive decisions within PGT-A/PGT-M testing and mosaic embryo transfer. This work has given Andrea an in-depth understanding of the barriers facing patients and fertility clinics and has equipped her with the experience to help reduce these challenges. Andrea is committed to improving access to genetics within fertility, alongside the CFAS Reproductive Genetics SIG.

Andrea currently contributes to the Canadian Association of Genetic Counsellors, supporting its quarterly newsletter, and serves on the University of Toronto MSc Genetic Counselling admissions committee, helping foster future professionals in the field. Andrea is eager to bring her expertise and collaborative spirit to the Genetics SIG to help develop strategies and insights that will benefit patients across Canada.

Vice-Chair - TBA

Secretary/Treasurer - TBA

Dr. Wael Jamal, MD, FRCSC

Past Chair

Dr. Wael Jamal received his Bachelor of Health Sciences and his medical degree from the University Abdul-Aziz of Saudi Arabia in 1998. Then he moved to Montreal to complete his training in Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University. He became a fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in 2007.

He completed a one year fellowship program in minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, a joint project between the University of Montreal and McGill University Health Center, in collaboration with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He completed a two-year fellowship training in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at the University of Montreal.

Dr. Wael Jamal is actively involved in research projects. His areas of interest include the use of 3D ultrasound, the study of sperm morphology and mild stimulation IVF. He received the first prize for the best summary of gynecology residents at the annual meeting of the Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada (SOGC) in 2006. In 2007 he was awarded as a resident for his research by the Canadian Foundation for Women Health, in addition to obtaining the Eric and James Molson prize of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at McGill University for the level of excellence in research, both in 2006 and 2007. In 2009, he was given the second research award at the annual meeting of the Association of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Quebec.

Dr. Wael Jamal has been actively involved in both clinical and academic work as a member of the teaching faculty in the REI fellowship training program at University of Montreal and as a scholar involved in multiple research projects and trials with special interest in mosaic embryos and recurrent pregnancy loss

Dr. Wael Jamal has been an active member of the CFAS and he takes pride in being an advocate for women health and fertility awareness and looks forward for the next chapter in addressing all related issues and being an esteemed member in a pan-Canadian leadership role in achieving the goals for this noble cause.