STP Embryology 1

I have been a qualified embryologist for over a year now…how has that happened?! In fact, it’s closer to 2! I can’t believe how quickly it has gone!

And, although I was lucky enough to stay at the same clinic, which means working with the same fabulous, well-functioning, tight-knit team of embryologists who supported me through my training, I do feel as though things have changed for me. I have become a more confident, independent, and capable embryologist ever since completing the STP – probably more so.

I always assumed that by the end of the STP, I would be an all-singing, all-dancing, fully-fledged embryologist – and on paper, I was almost there (apart from ICSI). This meant that I really started feeling the pressure towards the end of my training. I had high expectations that I should, of course, complete all the required Uni and professional assessments, but also be able to deal with all sorts of complicated scenarios that may one day present themselves: difficult patient complaints, exporting patient samples abroad, failing dewars, etc etc. It took me a little while to regain perspective as a newly qualified embryologist and stop comparing myself to other embryologists with 10, 15, 20+ years of experience!

Looking back, writing the IACC was a helpful tool in reflecting on my progress through the STP, but also planning how to bridge the gap between being a trainee and being newly qualified. However, the prospect of such a serious, in-depth reflection was daunting at first. In a nutshell, the IACC is split into 6 sections of reflection that mirror the 5 professional practice domains and a global statement, whilst citing OneFile submissions. It was tricky to find a balance between demonstrating my development but also actively highlighting professional limitations. Ultimately, it fulfilled its purpose as a reflective exercise and I gained insights that would help with my transition into a “patient-focussed and safe, newly qualified, threshold level Clinical Scientist”. And it helped to re-enforce that that was the purpose of the STP and what I was working towards.

The list of things to do on the STP is very long, along with all the professional learning that isn’t easily seen on paper. It’s easy to focus on the visual progress, i.e the competency dial on OneFile which just seems to crawl along, but for me the most beneficial learning was the day-to-day; reviewing patient cases with colleagues, discussing treatment with patients, contributing to team meetings, making service improvement suggestions and, in general, building confidence so you can make meaningful contributions to all the above! I can see that through the STP, and since, I have become more decisive as I have gained experience. However, I am still a strong believer that different perspectives within a team culminate in a valuable wealth of knowledge and experience so always respect the contribution of my more experienced colleagues when available. Remember – learning does not end with the STP!