Training And Certification Of Embryologists
Steven Fleming PhD
Certification of trained embryologists is already an expected standard in the UK and USA. In Australia, a special interest group of the Fertility Society of Australia, Scientists In Reproductive Technologies (SIRT), have introduced a practical logbook that covers all laboratory procedures. To complement the logbook SIRT have made available a textbook (http://books.google.com.au/books/p/2512850266107919?id=3kiWwSFePIEC&dq=sirt&source=gbs_navlinks_s) that provides the theoretical background to the procedures detailed within the logbook. Both logbook and textbook are made freely available to the membership of SIRT and provide the framework for their certification and a documented record for accreditation by other bodies such as the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee. In the UK, the Association of Clinical Embryologists (ACE) have developed a fully fledged certificate in clinical embryology comprising of a practical logbook, short-answer questions, written assignments, a viva voce examination and a continuing professional development system. In recognition of this standard, ACE members are eligible to undertake examinations to join the Royal College of Pathologists, so enhancing their professional standing. In conjunction with these developments, the National Health System (NHS) now has a statutory register for NHS clinical embryologists. In the USA, the American Board of Bioanalysis (ABB) is the certifying board recognised by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, the American Society of Reproductive Medicine and the College of American Pathologists for certification of individuals in clinical embryology. The ABB provides certification at various levels in andrology and embryology including Technical Supervisor, Embryology Laboratory Director and High-complexity Clinical Laboratory Director (HCLD). Those certified as an HCLD are also eligible for certification as a Clinical Consultant. In addition to these national certification schemes, international societies such as the European Society of Human Reproduction have since introduced their own certification of embryologists. This is the future for embryology as a profession.
