Careers in Medicine: Specialty Information

Colon and Rectal Surgery

Nature of the work

A colon and rectal surgeon is trained to diagnose and treat various diseases of the intestinal tract, colon, rectum, anal canal and perianal area by medical and surgical means. This specialist also deals with other organs and tissues (such as the liver, urinary and female reproductive system) involved with primary intestinal disease.

Training/residency information

The residency training for colon and rectal surgeons consists of five years in general surgery and one year specializing in colon and rectal surgery.

Workforce and salary information

According to the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons, "there seem to be more than ample job opportunities for graduates of colon and rectal training programs with the large majority of trainees limiting their practices to colon and rectal surgery. An increasing number of university surgical departments are now recruiting colon and rectal surgeons for their facilities." The annual salary for surgeons ranges from $158,000 to $318,000.

For more information

• American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons

Source: The American Board of Medical Specialties, the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Faculty Salary Survey, 2002, Association of American Medical Colleges

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