A call to action for the harmonization of education and training for clinical embryologists: a framing paper.

Abstract

The rapid expansion of assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment cycles, facilities, and fertility services has created unprecedented demand for a skilled workforce. Concurrently, clinical embryology has expanded in complexity and scope. Nevertheless, education and training for clinical embryologists remain inconsistent worldwide, with only a limited number of well-established frameworks. This framing paper examines gaps in education, training, competency assessment, and professional recognition and presents a pragmatic roadmap to support a proficient and sustainable workforce. We review representative training models for embryologists and identify persistent gaps within the laboratory workforce. Together, these insights aim to guide the development of a consistent, competency-based global clinical embryology workforce.