The Embryologist-IVF assists patients with reproductive health issues and clinical research. Conducts research and laboratory investigation of basic science aspects of IVF treatment and other programmes of assisted reproduction. He/ She is responsible for egg retrieval, assists with In- vitro fertilization, maintains clinical records, runs tests on eggs and carries out a wide range of microbiological techniques using well-defined procedures.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Duties

1. Requests necessary tests for the patient to determine their fertility levels and effectively explains complex procedures / options to them.

2. Maintains the viability of gametes, tissues and embryos during processing.

3. Prepares sperm from Testicular Biopsies (usually performed by the clinician) and Epididymis Aspiration/TESA for the ICSI procedures.

4. Conducts micromanipulation and testing of suitability of each gamete.

5. Performs Embryo culture / transfer and cryopreservation; monitors embryo development, embryo selection for transfer to recipient women (guided by the clinician), and the implantation of embryos into reproductive organs.

6. Conducts complex procedures like Assisted Hatching and Blastocyst Culture.

7. Maintains records of all attempts, with both successes and failures documented; The records shall include:

• Oocyte recovery

• Fertilization

• Cleavage

• Embryo transfer

• Pregnancy outcome

1. Works well in a team environment to ensure the procedures are handled correctly and being conducted in a timely manner

2. Evaluates and reports on the viability of new technologies introduced to the field prior to implementing them into the lab.

Genetic Duties

1. Attends to patients with genetic problems and the effect on pregnancy outcome.

2. Interviews patients and assesses their medical genetic history and reproductive history.

3. Gives all the counseling required to the couples.

Patient Care

1. Considers the patient’s safety as the first priority while working.

2. Participates in assessing, planning, implementing, and evaluating patient care needs

3. Maintains a work environment that promotes high standards for patient care and ethical behavior.

Compliance with Medical Ethics

1. Ensures implementation of Ministry of Health regulations, Hospital Medical Staff Bylaws, rules & regulations and IVF & RM Center policies & guidelines.

2. Complies with quality control, ethical issues, and regulations surrounding gamete and embryo handling. Ensures implementation of the standard concepts, practices, and procedures within the field of IVF & RM.

3. Exhibits appropriate personal and interpersonal professional behavior; practices medicine ethically.

4. Respects the opinions of department Consultants/ Specialists and referring Physicians in the management of patient problems.

5. Recognizes limits of personal skills and knowledge by appropriately consulting other Consultants/ Specialists while caring for the patient.

6. Shows a pattern of maintaining current personal clinical skills and knowledge by continuing medical education.

Other Duties

1. Prepares papers/reports on research findings when required.

2. Attends the meetings of the IVF & RM Center to discuss the rules & regulations, obstacles in work, incidents & complications encountered and suggestions to improve the quality of service.

3. Contributes to organizational performance improvement activities, in service and continuing education programs

4. Actively participates in the organization’s activities designed to attain accreditation

5. Accepts all other additional assignments found necessary by the Clinical Director- IVF & RM Center.

Desired Candidate Profile

EDUCATION: Preferably Bachelors' Degree in biology or biomedicine followed by Masters’ Degree in reproductive science or clinical science. Licensing: Valid License from Ministry of Health- Kuwait