Association of Women Surgeons

Elisa Birnbaum, MD
Associate Professor of Surgery
Director of Fellowship Program
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Washington University School of Medicine
St. Louis, Missouri

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) was founded in 1899. Initially known as the American Proctologic Society, the name was changed to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons in 1973 to indicate the scope of its members' interest. Currently, of the 1281 Board Certified Colorectal Surgeons in the United States and Canada, 102 are women. The spectrum of disease treated by colon and rectal surgeons is broad, including, but not limited to, inflammatory bowel disease, colorectal cancer, and benign anorectal diseases. Colorectal surgical practices vary from institution and practice, with a large percentage of Board Certified Colorectal Surgeons limiting their practice to only colon and rectal surgery. 

Residency Requirements

Currently, 36 accredited programs exist in colon and rectal surgery. To apply for an accredited program, the individual needs to be in (or have completed) a five-year ACGME-approved general surgery training program. The application process typically begins in the fourth clinical year of residency. A formal match process is conducted. For a listing of programs, and to enter the match, the National Resident Matching Program should be contacted.¹

Although research experience is not required, many applicants have had some formal experience during their residency. Almost all others have at least written a clinical paper or case report that demonstrates some objective interest in colon and rectal surgery.

Residency

The colon and rectal residency is for one year, although numerous programs with research year opportunities are available. The minimum case requirements are published annually. Residents are required to have experience in endoscopy techniques and some programs may have research requirements. The surgical cases are broken down into major abdominal cases, anorectal procedures, endoscopy, anal physiology, and endorectal ultrasound. The mix varies from institution-to-institution, and it is worthwhile to review the prior residents' case logs to gain a better understanding of what a program has to offer. 

Board Certification

To qualify, an individual must pass the American Board of Surgery Certifying Examination and complete an approved colorectal training program. The surgeon will be eligible to take the qualifying examination in colorectal surgery (written examination) in the Fall after completing their training. A certifying examination (oral examination) also is taken after passing the qualifying examination. Re-certification in general surgery is required to re-certify in colon and rectal surgery (every ten years). Requirements for certification can be obtained by writing the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.²

Grant Funding in Research Fellowships

Medical Students

Residents

Often there is a good opportunity for colon and rectal research at your institution or through local or regional societies. All 20 regional societies with current continuing medical education have full representation at the national level through the Regional Society Committee of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).³  

Faculty

Membership in ASCRS

References

3.      American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons
            85 West Algonquin, Ste. 550, Arlington Heights, IL 60005
            847-290-9184
         www.fascrs.org