​“The meaning of life for me lies in the future of our children.” claims IVF coordinator Vanja 

What do you think is your mission as a coordinator? How do you help patients every day?

My mission as a fertility treatment coordinator is to make the journey to pregnancy as stress-free and pleasant as possible for our patients. I understand the emotional and physical burden that fertility treatments can take, and I am dedicated to providing support and guidance throughout the process.

It is my belief that hope is the driving force behind every successful fertility journey. I have witnessed countless stories of perseverance from our patients, and it has reinforced my commitment to helping others achieve their dreams of starting a family. I am here to offer information, answer any questions, and provide reassurance.


Vanja’s work is quite unique, as not all assisted reproduction centres allow patients to have a coordinator. We wondered how she got to work at one of the best Czech IVF clinics?

My enthusiasm for this role stems from my language experience and academic background. I studied the history of South-Eastern Europe, as well as languages and literature of South Slavs. It was unexpected for me to discover that I could harness my language expertise and passion for the Balkans in the realm of IVF coordination where they once needed a coordinator for this region (and as well as for english speaking patiens).

I delved into assisting English and Sout Slavic-speaking patients in 2014 and it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience. I have found great joy in helping couples navigate their way to pregnancy and it is really interesting to be informed about unique healthcare landscape in each state, moreover it is crucial for coordinate´s strategy. Given my personal connection to the Balkan region, I thought I could bring a unique perspective and understanding of the cultural and linguistic nuances in this area and that’s how it all started for me.

From your experience, what are the differences between international and Czech assisted reproduction clinics?

The differences in healthcare in general and assisted reproduction across different countries are indeed significant. It’s intriguing to hear about the varied experiences of patients from around the world, and the unique challenges they face when seeking medical care. In some regions, the cost of healthcare is prohibitively high, making it difficult for individuals to access the treatments they need. Meanwhile, in other places, certain methods of assisted reproduction, such as genetic testing of embryos, are banned, restricting patients’ options for family planning and having a healthy child at all.

Clinics in the Czech Republic are renowned for its advanced services and favorable legal environment, making it a preferred destination for patients seeking high-quality care. The landscape of genetic material treatment in the Balkans has undergone significant changes in recent times. While the prohibition of providing treatment with donated genetic material has been lifted, there are still challenges such as long waiting times and subpar levels of care. On the other hand, in the USA, although the practice is permitted, the non-anonymous nature of the treatment may not be satisfactory for some couples. At PFC we place a strong emphasis on individualized care, with a commitment to accommodating the diverse needs, wishes, and individual problems of each patient. This personalized approach sets us apart and ensures that our patients receive the highest quality of care and attention.



The work of the coordinator is very varied but also demanding. What does helping people become parents mean to you personally?

I am grateful to be able to contribute to helping people achieve their dream goals. Personally, the meaning of life for me lies in the future of our children, their education, and the next generations. I believe that for many, the purpose of life is centered around raising offspring and passing on our love to the next generations. I am proud to play a role in helping people fulfill this fundamental meaning of life, especially when the path to achieving it can be particularly challenging.


Could you tell us what you consider to be your greatest professional achievement?

I think it is the overall satisfaction of my patients. The daily thank you notes, happy emails, and smiling faces of the parents are a constant reminder of the positive impact I’ve made in the lives of the patients I’ve had the privilege of treating. It’s truly fulfilling to know that I’ve been able to contribute to their overall happiness.



Infertility treatment is in many ways synonymous with a difficult process and the general public often has different ideas about what IVF actually entails. What are the most common myths you encounter in your work?

There is a lot of misinformation circulating on the internet. Very often they relate to the post-treatment behavior after embryo transfer. Contrary to some false beliefs, it is not necessary for women to lie until the end of the pregnancy in order for the pregnancy to succeed. After the embryo transfer procedure, women can resume their normal activities and leave the clinic after just 15 minutes.

The topic that is often difficult to explain and understand — the aging of women’s genetic material and the irreversible nature of this process. It is a challenging concept to grasp that a woman’s eggs age and eventually become unable to be used for fertilization, leading to the necessity of undergoing a cycle with an egg donor. It is natural for people to seek ways to change or reverse this reality, giving rise to new myths and misconceptions. However, it is important to acknowledge the limitations of biological processes. Therefore many patients are often undergoing numerous treatments without seeing any positive results, ultimately leading to wasted time and money. It is important to seek advice from a coordinator who works closely with a doctor, rather than solely relying on information found on the internet. We will always provide valuable insights and guidance that are tailored to individual needs.



It is obvious that the work of a coordinator requires, among other things, a great deal of patience. Do you have any advice that you follow in your personal and professional life?

I believe that the key qualities for this role are patience, the genuine desire to help others, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. It is not just a job, but a calling to assist and support those who wish to become parents. It is crucial to provide unwavering support to every individual, regardless of their background or circumstances. My primary goal is to offer reassurance and comfort to my patients, ensuring they feel confident that they are in capable hands.

It is also crucial to maintain a healthy work-life balance in order to ensure personal satisfaction and effectively contribute to the professional responsibilities. Separating personal life from work allows for a clear and focused mind, ultimately resulting in better performance and productivity. Coordinator´s well-being directly impacts ability to connect with patients, understand their needs, and offer appropriate solutions. 

How do you recharge your batteries after a hard day? Do you have activities or hobbies that also help you relax and recharge after a hard day?

I myself am juggling work responsibilities with the care of my two young children. It can certainly be exhaustive, but I also find joy in being able to spend time with them after work. As a fellow enthusiast of sewing and history, my favorite hobby brings me the much-needed rest and recharge. In addition to my love for sewing, I also enjoy writing about it on my personal blog. 

What do you think is the importance of good nutrition and lifestyle in the IVF process and how do you inform your clients about it?

We understand the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, especially during critical life stages such as pregnancy and childbirth. It’s not just about addressing PMS, but also ensuring fitness and strength for mothers to raise their children. We believe that a healthy lifestyle can have a significant impact on the well-being of both the mother and the child, and we are committed to supporting patients right from the beginning of their treatment. Following the first consultation with the doctor, it has been recommended that nutritional supplements are a crucial aspect in the treatment process for individual couples. We understand that each patient may have unique needs and problems, and we take the time to tailor our approach accordingly.

Finally, perhaps something more technical. What do you see as the most significant recent changes in IVF technology or protocols?

Over the past decade, I have witnessed significant advancements in the field of IVF, especially in the realm of laboratory preparations and techniques. As someone who closely interacts with the laboratory, I am gratified by the remarkable progress that has been made in relaying crucial information about embryo development to our patients. The emergence of cutting-edge technologies, such as camera systems, has enabled us to visually demonstrate the development of embryos with clarity and precision.

These developments have not only enhanced our ability to communicate effectively with our patients but have also elevated the standard of care that we are able to provide in the realm of IVF. I am confident that these advancements will continue to revolutionize the field and improve outcomes for our patients in the years to come. We now have access to a multitude of technologies that are improving the way we work. Even such the use of ZOOM for virtual communication is a great advantage for us, it has become an essential tool for connecting with patients and colleagues. Furthermore, the innovation of drugs has been remarkable. From skin rubs to hormone level stabilizing sprays, these advancements are also changing the way we administer medication.