Ovation Star – Mar’Sheila Carter
Meet Mar’Sheila, Junior Embryologist, Ovation Nashville
Mar’Sheila Carter, Junior Embryologist One thing that stands out among the amazing people at Ovation® Fertility is the love they have for their work. Mar’Sheila Carter is a junior embryologist and the perfect example of someone who uses her passion for her work to help patients become parents.
How Did You Get Into Your Line of Work?
I feel like all the embryologists I know have a unique story about how they got into the field. Mine started in college. I was a biology major, so I was taking a scientific writing class.
We would present on different topics each week, and I found an interesting embryology article one week. Everyone had lots of great questions when I did my presentation, and I realized that I had to learn more about embryology.
I started Googling “fertility clinics where embryologists work near me” and found a clinic near my school in Chattanooga. I emailed someone there and they agreed to let me shadow their embryologists.
After my first visit, I was sold on this field. I honestly didn’t want to leave, so I asked if I could keep coming back. They ended up letting me come in three days a week to learn more about the fertility world and embryology.
After I graduated, I started my career as an andrologist. I did that for about a year before I accepted a position as a junior embryologist at Ovation Nashville. I’ve been in this role since last April and I love where I work and I’m passionate about what I do.
What Is an Average Day of Work Like for You?
Every day is a little bit different, but it keeps things interesting and I love it. I typically open the lab, so I do a lot of QC every morning. I also do egg retrievals and embryo transfers as well as paperwork and dish prep. We have a thawing schedule, so I help with thawing when it’s my turn.
I’m excited because I recently finished learning how to freeze embryos, so I’ve been able to help more with embryo freezing.
What’s Your Favorite Part of Working for Ovation?
My favorite part of working for Ovation is how supportive everyone is. Since I’ve been working here, I’ve been amazed by how committed everyone has been to help me get more training and experience. It feels like they’re just as invested in me and my career as I am. I love working for a company that wants to help you advance and better yourself both personally and professionally.
Why Is Embryology So Important?
I could list so many things. Being an embryologist means you get to help people have a family of their own. Without IVF, so many people wouldn’t be able to have families. For example, a lot of my close friends are same-sex couples, and I’m glad we have treatments that can help them become parents.
It’s so rewarding to be a part of someone’s journey to have a baby. There’s nothing like finding out someone you helped just saw a positive pregnancy test.
What Do You Like To Do for Fun?
I have four sweet dogs (two pit bulls and two French bulldogs), so I love spending time with them. I’m also a big fan of pampering myself by going to the spa, getting my nails done and doing face masks at home. My friends say that I’m the queen of self-care.