Department of Surgery

Colon and Rectal Surgery Residency Program

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Program Description

Case mix/number of cases: anorectal – 170 (60 required), endoscopy – 170 (140 required), colon/rectal resections – 200 (75 required). The anorectal and colon cases include a broad mix of both routine and complex procedures as well as laparoscopic versus open procedures. The resident is expected to identify the problems, arrive at a diagnosis, perform the surgical procedure and follow the patient postoperatively. Unlike many programs in which the fellowship is primarily preceptorial, the resident has primary responsibility for running the colorectal services at the Los Angeles General Medical Center, with in-house supervision from the faculty.

Strengths of program: This is an academically oriented program that offers broad experience in continence-preserving colonic procedures.

The program offers the breadth of colorectal surgery and its affiliating institutions. Its training facilities consist of a large county hospital, a university referral center hospital and a cancer center, and a state of the art endoscopy lab. The program is characterized by comprehensive surgical management, multidisciplinary tumor boards, continence preserving management for primary and recurrent rectal cancer, and bowel-preserving advanced endoscopic techniques. In addition, the program has an integrated research program that includes health sciences quality and outcomes research, colonic physiology and oncology, microbiome, and laparoscopic and robotic cancer investigations.

Clinic and/or office experience: There is a weekly clinic at Los Angeles General Medical Center in which 70 patients are seen. There are also several weekly academic clinics where patients are seen at Keck Medicine of USC. Office exposure is provided to allow the resident broad experience in preoperative, postoperative and outpatient care.

Interaction with general surgery residents: There is a full general surgical residency program at the University of Southern California. The colorectal fellow supervises the colorectal service at Los Angeles General Medical Center. The service is supported by surgical residents, a physician assistant and a nurse for ancillary support, and medical students are also part of the program. The academic practice rotation includes a physician assistant, resident and an intern. The colorectal trainee is expected to be active in the teaching of residents and students. No in-house night call is required for the colorectal fellow.

Conferences: Conference subjects include weekly colorectal case review conference, multidisciplinary tumor board and pathology review, colorectal journal clubs, IBD multidisciplinary conference, research conference, general surgical M&M conference weekly, general surgical grand rounds weekly. There is the option to meet in a small group with visiting professors for colorectal symposiums several times a year.

Elective rotation: Available upon request.

Research year: Available; research year can be coupled with being the anorectal physiology fellow.

Requirement for paper: All residents are expected to participate in scholarly activity, which is a requirement for graduation. Scholarly activity includes a research or review paper, a book chapter, literature review and presentation at local or national meetings.

Opportunity to attend meetings: The division funds attendance to the annual ASCRS Meeting and any other meetings at which a paper is presented. The division also funds participation in courses sponsored by the program directors association, such as the robotics and advanced endoscopy courses.

Applications

All applications for the Colon and Rectal Surgery Training Program are accepted through the Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS). You must also register with the National Resident Matching Program (NRMP).

Our requirements for application include:

  • Common application form
  • Personal statement
  • Medical school transcripts
  • MSPE/deans letter
  • Letters of recommendation (minimum of three)
  • Photograph
  • USMLE transcripts
  • ECFMG status report – foreign graduates only

Contact Information

Ashley Ho
Program Coordinator
Division of Surgical Education
Department of Surgery
Phone: (323) 442-1042
Email: Ashley.Ho@med.usc.edu

Kyle G. Cologne
Program Director
Associate Professor Surgery
Email: kyle.cologne@med.usc.edu