Fertility Services & Training: What the Future Beholds

Abstract

The world of assisted reproductive technology is rapidly expanding worldwide with new improvements and constantly developed techniques. Two of the important factors affecting the success of any centre are the reproductive clinician and the embryologist. While training programme for reproductive clinician has been established, less so is said for embryologist. As the pioneer and leading fertility centre amongst universities in the country, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) is making steps towards introducing a clinical embryology programme that is hoping to set a standard for embryologist training for the country and region. Fertility preservation is an area of assisted reproduction that is fast gaining recognition. It gives hope, especially to young oncologic patients for future reproduction. International success with ovarian tissue cryopreservation and reimplantation culminating with the first birth in 2004 gives hope to these patients. With the current plans of expansion and training of our reproductive centre, an oncofertility unit with ovarian cryopreservation facilities will be soon established to cater to the needs of the country.