Colorectal

Why did you choose your specialty?

Colorectal surgery is an interesting mix of emergency and elective work and there is a large variation in the type of procedure performed within the speciality. There is an expanding scope for laparoscopic procedures within colorectal surgery. I also enjoy the challenge of the cancer surgery, with the requirement for working within a team to get the best possible outcome for the patient.

What are the best parts of your job?

I love the variation of the work, compared to other general surgical specialities. Colorectal surgical procedures are expanding, with an increasing requirement in the future.

What are the worst parts of your job?

Trying to fit enough of everything in – endoscopy training, operative competency and management. The JAG (Joint Advisory Group on GI Endoscopy) have introduced a minimum number of endoscopy procedures for GI trainees in endoscopy and getting the number of procedures required depends can be difficult.

As a consultant it will increasingly fall to the GI surgeons to provide the emergency cover. With changes in working hours meaning trainees are taking longer to achieve competency in surgical I foresee that the role of the consultant in emergency work will increase.

Describe a typical week as a trainee in your specialty.

I will have three elective operating sessions a week, one clinic, 1-2 endoscopy sessions and typically one day a week on call. The rest is made up of ward management and administration duties. The ward management of colorectal patients can be complex as they can develop serious complications. In this specialty each day can bring fresh demands.