Embryologists are the scientists in the lab that help patients to get pregnant by creating embryos. We use microscopes and have to have very good hand-eye co-ordination to move eggs, sperm and embryos around. We also assess embryos to select the best ones to put in a patient or to freeze.
Rebecca King - Embryologist
What does my job role as a healthcare scientist involve?
We usually work within a small team of scientists but also with doctors, nurses, counsellors and administration teams. We keep in regular contact with the patients to provide updates on fertilisation and embryo development and occasionally have to give bad news, which is not easy. We sometimes face complex ethical scenarios and so we need to know the ins and outs of the legal status of embryos, donors, surrogates and parenthood.
We work ‘normal’ hours but also rotate, working weekends and being on call.
What do you love about your job?
Sometimes we receive cards, or patients bring their babies into the unit which is amazing and each time you realise the huge impact science can make.
We also carry out research; I was lucky enough to present a study about frozen embryos in a conference in Edinburgh in January 2020.
I enjoy working in a close team and feel we all look out for one another, but mostly I like going home, knowing I might have contributed in assisting a couple in achieving their family.
What are your career ambitions?
I would like to continue to help this team as much as possible and help as many patients as I can. I also would like to continue helping to train future embryologists and contribute more to infertility research.
How did you get into your role?
I have an undergraduate degree in Human Biology from Loughborough University and an MMedSci qualification from the University of Nottingham in Assisted Reproduction Technology. I also worked as an IVF receptionist in Oxford. The only way to become an embryologist is to complete the three-year Scientist Training Programme in Reproductive Science. Luckily, I gained a place on this in 2013.
What kind of person does your job suit?
This person should enjoy performing routine work within a team. They should also have the ability to remain composed even when the day or task gets quite busy or difficult. Unlike many other lab jobs, embryologists speak directly to patients so being able to communicate clearly, honestly and sometimes empathetically is also a necessity.