ABSTRACT
PERSONNEL AND EXPERIENCE While the environment, physical plant, and equipment require special consideration in the design of an integrated gamete and embryo culture facility, it is the sta that will carry out the procedures and is essential to the success of the entire operation. Successful clinical practice in general, and ART in particular, is almost entirely dependent on the skill and experience level of medical and laboratory personnel. For the laboratory sta, enthusiasm is another key factor to success, especially because there are still few formal teaching and skills examination programs in place for a specialty in ART. Most clinical embryologists are trained using an apprenticeship program, but such institutions are rare and there are no internationally accepted guidelines. Good clinical outcome requires a cautious and rational assessment of individual abilities, so laboratory sta, directors, and embryologists must consider their experience in the context of what will be required of them (5).
