Overview

Surgery has been the major alternative treatment modality to medicine since the profession was placed on a sound scientific footing. The introduction of anesthesia and the multitude of advances made in this field have dramatically enhanced the opportunities for the performance of surgery. Recognition of the critical importance of antisepsis, combined with the introduction of antibiotics, has allowed highly successful outcomes of surgical intervention. Consequently, advances in surgery have had a profound impact on the quality of health and have contributed significantly to the extension of life.

As a result of fundamental advances in patient care, as well as major technological breakthroughs, it became possible to apply therapeutic surgical approaches in all body areas. Consequently, a significant number of surgical subspecialties have evolved. Surgery is also a component of several major specialties, such as ophthalmology, otolaryngology, obstetrics/gynecology, and urology. The introduction of microsurgical, laparoscopic, and laser techniques has further expanded the potential of the field significantly and diminished the inherent risk of surgery for most patients.

Characteristics

Table 5.1 summarizes the characteristics of the surgical subspecialties. A detailed discussion of each of them follows.

The choices

Seven surgical subspecialties will be discussed below.

Colon and rectal surgery

1. Status: Surgical subspecialty

2. Projected need: Above average

3. Securing a residency: Competitive

4. Training programs: Ca. 50

5. Positions open: Ca. 60 (women residents ca. 10)

6. Training.: One year (after a five-year general surgery residency)

7. Weekly patient contact hours: Above average

8. Attaining patients: By referral

9. Remuneration: Starting, above average; median, well above average

10. Night and emergency calls: Occasional

scope. Colon and rectal surgeons apply their skills in the diagnosis and treatment of problems associated with the large intestine, rectum, and anal canal, as well as the perineal region.