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The surgeon who has attained certification by the American Board of
Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) must first be certified by the American Board
of Surgery (ABS). Having attained certification in both fields, a colon and
rectal certified specialist is proficient in the field of general surgery, but
has also acquired particular expertise in diagnosis as well as medical and
surgical management (including preoperative and postoperative care) in the
following areas:
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Anorectal Conditions
- Hemorrhoids
- Fissures
- Abscesses
- Fistulas
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Crohn's Disease
Diverticular Disease
Colorectal and Anal Tumors
- Cancer
- Polyps
- Hereditary Tumor Syndromes
- Familial Polyposis
- Hereditary Non-polyposis Colon Cancer
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Endoscopy of the Colon and Rectum
- Rigid and Flexible
Sigmoidoscopy
- Colonoscopy
- Endoscopic Polypectomy
Intestinal and Anorectal Physiology for Management of:
- Anal Incontinence
- Anal Rectal Pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Rectal Prolapse
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Process and Qualifications for Board Certification
The process for certification includes a chronological series of components with specific requirements in the areas of education, direct patient care, and examinations.
Education
Must have graduated from an accredited medical school.
Must have satisfactorily completed a minimum of five years of graduate general surgical training in an accredited residency program in the United States or Canada.
Must have satisfactorily completed at least one year of colon and rectal surgical training in an accredited residency program in the United States or Canada.
Must have obtained sufficient experience in the diagnosis, treatment, and surgical management of diseases of the anus, rectum, and colon as deemed adequate by the ABCRS.
Must have a detailed colorectal operative experience record and recommendations from training program directors for review by the ABCRS.
Examinations in General Surgery
Must have successfully completed the written Qualifying examination and the oral Certifying examination of the American Board of Surgery (all surgeons applying for certification by the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery must first be certified as general surgeons).
Examinations in Colon and Rectal Surgery
Must have satisfactorily completed a day-long written
Qualifying examination which assesses knowledge of the diagnosis,
treatment, and surgical management of disease of the anus, rectum, and colon.
This examination includes testing in radiology and pathology as these
disciplines relate to colon and rectal surgery.
Must have successfully completed the oral Certifying examination where each candidate is interviewed by three teams of prominent colon and rectal surgeons who evaluate the candidate's ability to diagnose and treat common and complex colon and rectal surgical problems and determine if
the candidate should be granted certification.
What is the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery?
The American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery was founded in 1935 for the purpose of certifying colon and rectal surgeons who have met specific educational requirements and completed an examination process. A major reason for establishing the specialty board was to identify the colon and rectal surgeon of excellence.
The ABCRS is an independent, non-profit organization with worldwide recognition. It is one of twenty-four certifying boards that are members of the American Board of Medical Specialties. The Diplomates of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery are distinguished colon and rectal surgeons involved in patient care, education, and research throughout the United States and
Canada.
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