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.
You found your specialty, now plan the rest of your path.
From specialty exploration to school discovery, interview preparation, and debt planning, all part of the SDN Schools Database.
Key Facts
Core Focus: Diseases of colon, rectum, and anus
Number of Physicians: Very Small (~1,500–2,000)
Training Length: 5 years surgery + 1 year fellowship
Subspecialties: Colon and Rectal Surgery Fellowship
Job Progression: Academic surgery, specialized clinics
Gender Distribution: 25% female, 75% male
Job Outlook: Stable
Work Environment: Hospitals, surgical centers
Patient Relationship: Pre/post-op care, some follow-up
Schedule: Structured with potential emergencies
Common Procedures: Colorectal resections, anorectal surgery
Residency Length: 6 years
Fellowship Required: Yes
Average Annual Income: ~$487,000
Average Weekly Hours: 60 hours/week
Burnout Percentage: 55%
Match Competitiveness: High
Common Work Settings: Hospitals, colorectal surgery centers
❤️ Values and Personality Comparison
Colon and Rectal Surgery Top Values
- Decision making
- Taking care of people
- Working with my hands
- Working with people
Colon and Rectal Surgery Do Not Value
- Decision making
- Feedback from others
- Good income
- Prestige
- Sufficient time off
- Variety
🧠 Colon and Rectal Surgery Personality Traits
- Prefer a planned schedule
- Be comfortable doing the same activity repeatedly
- Be energized by people
- Enjoy taking care of people
- Enjoy being an 'expert'
- Need to see tangible results of their efforts quickly
- Be easygoing
- Act decisively
- Have manual dexterity
- Value independence highly
🔗 Links
Has any information changed? Click here to report an update.