Siamak Bashar
Laboratory Director
Biography
Dr. Siamak Bashar brings over two decades of expertise in assisted reproductive technologies and laboratory leadership to his role as Laboratory Director at Anova Fertility. A PhD in Clinical Laboratory Sciences from Tehran Beheshti University Medical School (1992) and a graduate of the University of Guelph with a Master of Science in Reproductive Immunology and Endocrinology (2004), Siamak also holds a postgraduate diploma in Assisted Reproductive Technology from The Michener Institute (2001). Siamak also studied for a PhD in Reproductive Clinical Epidemiology in Walden University, USA (ABD). His distinguished career includes contributions to advanced embryology techniques, laboratory quality assurance, and significant research in Andrology, Embryology, and Molecular Biology of reproduction. Siamak’s pursuit of excellence earned him certifications as a High-Complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD) from the American Board of Bioanalysis and as an Assisted Reproductive Technology Laboratory Director from the Canadian Fertility and Andrology Society (CFAS). He is a longstanding member of CFAS, ASRM, The College of Reproductive Biology, CSMLS, European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology, and Chair of CFAS ART Lab Special Interest Group.
Siamak’s technical proficiency encompasses the full spectrum of assisted reproductive techniques, including oocyte retrieval, embryo culture and assessment, cryopreservation of reproductive materials including human gametes and blastocyst vitrification, ICSI, and biopsy. An advocate for innovation, he has recently focused on non-invasive PGT-A, egg and sperm activation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in IVF laboratories to enhance clinical outcomes. Siamak is also passionate about personal medicine, education, and serving as a mentor to IVF laboratory staff and medical students while fostering a collaborative and respectful environment.
Recognized for his dedication and integrity, Siamak has co-authored influential research articles and received multiple awards for his contributions to the field. His leadership in preparing laboratories for CFAS certification and compliance with Health Canada regulations exemplifies his commitment to the highest standards of quality and care. With a positive attitude, excellent communication skills, and a compassionate approach, Siamak ensures a patient-centered atmosphere and a culture of excellence at Anova Fertility.
Get to know Dr. Siamak
I’ve always been drawn to the biological sciences, which naturally led me to start my career in the lab. Becoming a father, however, was a life-changing experience that completely shifted my perspective. It gave me a new appreciation for the gift of parenthood and when I moved to Canada with my family, seeking better opportunities for my children, I decided to pursue specialization in reproductive sciences. Since then, I’ve found my work incredibly rewarding. Helping people from all walks of life achieve their dream of parenthood is something I feel deeply privileged to be a part of. Now that I am nearing the age where I might become a grandfather, I still feel the same passion I had when I first started. Every success story touches my heart and reminds me of why I love this field.
Personalized, precise, and transparent.
My advice for success in your fertility journey is having patience, being focused on the end goal, having a positive attitude, following treatment steps precisely, and having a trustworthy relationship with your fertility doctor and their team. You are best served at a clinic where care is grounded in evidence-based practices and tailored to your unique needs, like at Anova Fertility, and be cautious about clinics that overpromise or claim to have solutions that are too good to be true. There’s no such thing as a “one-size-fits-all” solution when it comes to fertility, and having a personalized approach is crucial.
I have continued to be an active researcher and when I am not working at the clinic, I am often collaborating with others on new projects. Recently, I’ve been especially interested in how AI can improve outcomes in IVF. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, walking my Shih-Poo, swimming, watching soccer games, and gardening.
