Stress, Health and Well-being of Clinical Embryologists

Abstract

Clinical embryology is a demanding profession where the clinical embryologist is not only involved in the laboratory work with gametes and embryos but often a lot of logistic support. The pressures of timing, heavy workload, the monotony of procedures and the uncertainty of outcomes often creates a lot of pressures and stress on the embryologist. A stressed person is more likely to make errors, some can be insignificant while some can be disastrous like a mix-up or an accident. To add-on, long hours on the microscope can lead to soreness of muscles and joints leading to neck, back and shoulder pain. Physical pain with mental stress leads to discomfort and an unhealthy work environment. There are many publications on the burn out of health care professionals but not much is discussed about the health of an embryologist, a relatively new disciple. This paper discussed the various cause of stress in the life of an embryologist and also provides suggestions to overcome the same.