Colorectal Residency

The year 2006 marked the 26th year of existence for the Colorectal Surgery Residency. The one-year residency is board accredited for two clinical positions each year. Residents work closely with seven colorectal surgeons as well as gastroenterologists, medical and radiation oncologists and enterostomal therapists. The residency experience offers in-depth exposure to all aspects of colorectal disease and surgery.

The Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery also offers a research fellow position. Interested candidates should contact the section.

Clinical rotations
Both residents alternate with a senior resident (PGY-5) through three clinical rotations in six- to eight-week blocks. The service is supported with a consult resident (PGY-3), interns and physician assistants. Residents gain extensive knowledge of endoscopy, anorectal manometry and transrectal ultrasonography through a rotation designed solely for outpatient experience. Advanced laparoscopic procedures are taught intensively at our institution, with each fellow performing more than 75 laparoscopic cases in the past few years. This number continues to increase each year as the role of laparoscopy in colorectal surgery expands. The fellows’ laparoscopic skills are advanced early in the year to a high level so they can be involved in the actual teaching of designated laparoscopic colon surgery courses held regularly at the School of Medicine.

Research Experience
Residents are required to perform a clinical research project of personal interest throughout their year. This can be drawn from the multiple colorectal databases established at the medical school. Residents are encouraged to submit a report for publication and/or presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Application
Residents are competitively chosen through the National Residency Match Program. Please contact www.nrmp.org for electronic submission of an application.

Program Contact:
For more information, contact
Joni Menke at menkej@wudosis.wustl.edu
314-454-7182

Program Director:
Elisa H. Birnbaum, M.D.
Program Director, Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency
Washington University School of Medicine
Department of Surgery
Section of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Campus Box 8109, 660 S. Euclid Ave.
Suite 14102, QueenyTower
St.Louis, MO 63110
(314) 454-7177