About
In Australia and New Zealand, a formal colorectal surgical training program is run by the Australia and New Zealand Training Board in Colon and Rectal Surgery (ANZTBCRS) – a Conjoint Board formed by the CSSANZ and the Colon and Rectal Surgery Section, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons. The purpose of the Post Fellowship training is to provide the structured educational and training experience necessary to achieve expertise in the understanding, diagnosis and management of diseases of the colon, rectum, small bowel and anus. The program is administered via the CSSANZ Office in Melbourne. Surgeons must have attained FRACS to be eligible for application to this program. There are 29 accredited training units across Australia and New Zealand. The program is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) as a Post Fellowship Education and Training (PFET) program.
The program offers two clinical years of colorectal surgical training at ANZTBCRS accredited units throughout Australia and New Zealand, with the expectation of one year outside of a Fellow’s home state/country to increase their exposure to the full range of colorectal surgery procedures as well as variations in technique. Fellows will be expected to maintain a logbook of work completed and this is reviewed by the Board to ensure that training exposure to different cases is adequate. Some Fellows elect to complete an additional research year (for a higher degree) as part of their training.
During the program, Fellows will participate in monthly CSSANZ Journal Club meetings as well as an annual ANZTBCRS Fellows Weekend, where they will present on a nominated topic and contribute a written paper. First year clinical Fellows are expected to complete a research project which is suitable for presentation and publication. An annual exam takes place for second year clinical Fellows. Fellows attend a progress interview with the Board each year and a final Exit Interview after their clinical training years. Laparoscopic and pelvic floor courses have been developed for Fellows as additional training opportunities. Several prizes and scholarships are also available.
Following satisfactory completion of all ANZTBCRS requirements and sign off by the Training Board, a Certificate of Training will be issued.
Contact
For any queries about the ANZTBCRS Program, please contact the CSSANZ Office:
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