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Colon and Rectal Surgeon |
Career OverviewColon and rectal surgeons are trained in non-surgical and surgical treatment of rectal and colon problems. They diagnose as well as treat various diseases of the colon, anal canal, intestinal tract, perianal area and rectum either with surgery or with medical treatment.
A colon and rectal surgeon also treats malignant and benign conditions surgically when required. They have the skills required to address problems with the urinary tract, liver, female reproductive system and other tissues and organs involving diseases of the primary intestinal tract.
A colon and rectal surgeon is trained to use techniques such as minimally invasive abdominal surgery when operating on a patient’s rectum and colon.
Some of the many, more common conditions a colon and rectal surgeon treats are, inflammatory bowel disease, polyps, diverticulitis and rectal and colon cancer. They also train colon and rectal surgeons to deal with anal conditions such as fissures, fistulas, hemorrhoids and abscesses. They acquire in depth knowledge of anus and rectum and intestinal physiology needed to treat problems such as incontinence and constipation.
Some of the more common medical issues a colon and rectal surgeon deal with are cancers of the colon and rectum, hemorrhoids causing pain by venous swelling inside or at the anal sphincter, hernias, benign colorectal neoplasm and polyps.
Some of the more challenging medical issues that a colon and rectal surgeon have to diagnose and treat are irritable bowel disease and inflammation, colon and rectal malignancies and malignant tumors derived from epithelial tissue, which is one of the four major types of cancer and other cancer.
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Career RequirementsA colon and rectal surgeon has to successfully complete a five year training program certified by the American Board of Surgery, another five years in general surgery and then an additional year or two specializing in colon and rectal surgery. Every eight years a colon and rectal surgeon requires recertification.
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Job OutlookUniversity surgical departments and hospitals are increasing the number of colon and rectal surgeons and are recruiting for their facilities as stated by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
With the aging and growing population, the demand for colon and rectal surgeons increases. Consumers expect high levels of care and with all the advanced technology, colon and rectal surgeons are able to diagnosis colon and rectal problems earlier.
As surgeons retire, job openings will result opening up even more opportunities for colon and rectal surgeons and this need is expected to continue through the year 2014.
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Career TrackFor a colon and rectal surgeon, there are several options for advancement and career changes. Most colon and rectal surgeons work in a hospital setting for several years, gaining expertise and experience in their chosen field.
Many colon and rectal surgeons chose to work in teaching universities or colleges while others prefer to work as consultants on research projects or even enter into the research field of large pharmaceutical companies.
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CompensationThe annual wage for a colon and rectal surgeon in their first year of practice is approximately $158,000 and after three or more years increases to approximately $318,000 and upwards.
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