A photograph of Dr. Jim Meriano.

Dr. Jim Meriano, B.Sc, M.Sc, ELD, PhD (He/Him)

Director, Embryology Laboratory

Dr. Jim Meriano’s international reputation as an outstanding embryologist is based on his numerous achievements and awards in the field of human embryology over the past 30 years. Working with Dr. Bob Casper, Dr. Meriano established the embryology lab at TCART in 1992-1993. In 2001-2002, he established the Pre-Implantation Genetic Diagnosis (PGD) program and in 2012-2013 the Egg Freezing/Vitrification program at LifeQuest Centre for Reproductive Medicine. Prior to TCART and LifeQuest, Dr. Meriano set up a blood lab for infertility and an embryo freezing lab at Toronto General Hospital. Today, as Lab Director at TRIO, Dr. Meriano and his team of embryologists are among the most experienced in the country; currently, they are actively engaged in innovative research initiatives, applying new and leading technologies, and looking for ways on an ongoing basis to continue to improve pregnancy rates for TRIO’s patients.

Jim is a recipient of the LIFE Award (Laboratory Innovation for Embryology), a national award recognizing excellence in the field of Embryology, and has published numerous articles in Canadian and International peer-reviewed medical and scientific journals. Jim is Past Chair for the CFAS Special Interest Group for Assisted Reproductive Technologies, a member of the CFAS Committee to form standards for Embryology Certification in Canada, and a member of the Committee for the Canadian Embryo Summit. He is also a member of ALPHA Scientists in Reproductive Medicine and the ASRM.

What I love about my work in the embryology lab

“I really enjoy having an egg underneath the microscope, choosing the sperm and knowing that the egg is going to turn into a baby. I also get to see the patient smiling at me at the window when I hand the doctor the embryo and tell them how nice it is.”