MEDICAL SPECIALTY SELECTOR

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Colon and Rectal Surgery

This specialty was called proctology (derived from the Greek word proktos, meaning anus) until 1961 when the name was changed to colon and rectal surgery to reflect a broader scope of interest. Physicians in this field are defined by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery as surgeons who have demonstrated detailed knowledge and skill in surgery of the intestinal tract, rectum, anal canal, and perianal area. They are able to deal surgically with contiguous organs and tissues secondarily involved by primary intestinal disease. Their training and experience have resulted in the development of special skills in the performance of endoscopic procedures of the rectum and colon.

Interest in and knowledge of this surgical subspecialty is rare among medical students. There are only a small number of academic training programs so there is little student exposure to physicians in this field until surgical residency training years.

• Number of physicians in specialty - Very small, less than 5,000
• Competitiveness of Residency - Medium
• Length of training - One year after successful completion of a five year residency program in general surgery.

Values & Personality Traits of Physicians in Colon and Rectal Surgery

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