“Teamwork” is a huge buzzword in modern business, with the ability to create and/or assemble a winning team considered to be one of the hallmarks of leadership. For a team to function well, there must be mutual trust, respect and cooperation. While each member of a strong, successful team has the knowledge, skills and confidence to be a “star” in their own right, they also understand that this talent is shared by all the members of the team – and they each have the generosity of spirit to allow everyone to shine. It is precisely because each person in a winning team is a “star” that they are sought after by competitors who are hoping to create their own winning team. It is then incumbent upon the manager of a winning team to ensure that the effort and success of everyone in the team is recognized and rewarded – otherwise the team might be lost.

It is the same for the IVF Center, and for the IVF Lab, since a strong, functioning team is probably the greatest key to success. Recruitment and retention of good embryologists is a challenge. However, it is a challenge which must be met, because if you don't respect and look after your people, you have a fundamental flaw in your approach to Quality. This is also a fundamental failing for accreditation.