Best practices of ASRM and ESHRE: a journey through reproductive medicine

BACKGROUND: The American Society for Reproductive Medicine (ASRM) and the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) are the two largest societies in the world whose members comprise the major experts and professionals working in the field of reproductive medicine and embryology. These societies have never before had a joint scientific meeting. METHODS: A 3-day meeting was planned and took place in March of 2012. The goal was to present and debate key topics, as well as modes of practice in reproductive medicine and to discuss recent developments in the field. RESULTS: Presentations by members of ASRM and ESHRE were of three types: 'state of the art' lectures, 'back-to-back' presentations of two points of view and debates. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, ASRM and ESHRE held a joint meeting where a special emphasis was given to presentations on the hottest topics in the field. Although different opinions and approaches sometimes exist on the two sides of the Atlantic, an appreciation and acceptance of these differences was evident, and there was more commonality than divergence of opinion.