Ovation Star – Meet Julie Dupre
Julie Dupre, Senior Embryologist, Ovation Lafayette
When patients need a little extra help having a baby, the experience of the IVF lab team can make all the difference. Thankfully, Ovation® Lafayette has Senior Embryologist Julie Dupre on the team. Patients who partner with this lab reap the benefits of Julie’s more than 25 years of experience.
How Did You Get Into Your Line of Work?
I graduated from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in animal science. Then, I got my Master of Science in reproductive physiology from Louisiana State University.
At the time, I was convinced that I wanted to work with animals, but my advisor suggested that I apply for a job at an IVF clinic near Fort Lauderdale, Florida. I wasn’t sure about it, but I fell in love with it once I was offered the job and started working there.
After working in Florida for a while, I started to miss home, so I moved back to Lafayette to open a restaurant with my brother.
While I was running the restaurant, I saw an ad that mentioned a fertility clinic was opening in Lafayette. I learned that Dr. [John] Storment was opening the clinic, which was funny because we went to high school together. I decided to apply for a job in the clinic’s IVF lab, and I started working there in January of 2000. I’ve been working there ever since, so I saw the lab transition to Ovation Fertility Lafayette.
What Was It Like to Join Ovation?
Since I’m a creature of habit, I was nervous when I first learned we would become part of Ovation. However, I had nothing to worry about because it has been fantastic to have the extra help and support. Before we joined Ovation, it was really just me and the offsite lab director, so I was always working. Now I have several amazing coworkers and our amazing lab director Chelsey, so I can take time off to be with my family. Joining Ovation has also given me lots of opportunities for learning and growth, which benefits both me and our patients.
What Is an Average Day of Work Like for You?
I start working pretty early, around 6:00 or 6:30 in the morning. When I come in, I do QC and check all the embryos in the lab. I also touch base with patients who need updates and reports. Throughout the day, I’m doing retrievals, ICSI, biopsies and freezing as well as all the paperwork for these procedures.
Our lab is involved in collecting data for several studies right now, and it’s great to collaborate with other labs in the Ovation network. It’s rewarding to know a lot of work we do is producing data that’s going to help advance the field.
What’s Your Favorite Part of Working for Ovation?
You just can’t explain the job satisfaction you get with this line of work. There aren’t many jobs where you can help someone have a baby. Lafayette is a small town, so we see a lot of babies and their parents around town. Sometimes, the parents come up to me with their children and thank me for helping them create a family. I also still get cards from families who have children who are now the same age as my kids.
What Do You Like To Do for Fun?
I love to cook, especially now that I’m not running a restaurant anymore. I also like to fish and crab. My husband is an avid gardener, so we enjoy our yard at home. I’m a big fan of traveling, especially to the beach, and spending time with family. I just got back from a trip to Las Vegas with two of my sisters. I love spending time with family and realize what an honor it is to help others build their families.