Proctology

[Atlas]

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What can a proctologist do that a gastro doc or general/colo-rectal surgeon can't? Will there be a need for proctologists? Something to ponder.

 

[NinerNiner999]

Not to be a pain in the a__ or the butt of a joke, but I'm not sure many people are behind proctologists these days (despite the fact the proctologists are behind them). Reimbursement is pretty crappy and you have to be pretty anal to want to become one...

 

[robotsonic]

I thought that proctologist was just an outdated term for colorectal surgeon.

 

[EctopicFetus]

No, Proctology is simply a fellowship that can only be pursued by DOs http://www.osteopathic.org/index.cfm?PageID=lcl_spclty#proctology

Here is their stated purpose "To upgrade the practice of proctology and to increase the knowledge of the specialist as well as the general practitioner in the diagnosis and treatment of proctologic diseases. To train physicians through a residency program to preserve and perpetuate the specialty of proctology."

I remember reading this in Iserson's book.

 

[EctopicFetus]

http://www.abcrs.org/historyofboard.htm

This link states that there is no longer a Board of Proctology, they are now the Colo-Rectal guys. To be honest I dont know what the deal is with this but my good god.. I cant imagine who would go into this field.

The AOA (Osteopathic) has Proctology as a field so who knows. It does appear that only DOs can go into this field I have no idea how similar they are to CR Surgeons.

My research shows that only DOs can do a fellowship in this field and they differ from CR Surgeons in that they dont deal with much of the colon but are more with the Rectum. Yuck! I need to go shower 🙂

 

[docB]

To be honest I dont know what the deal is with this but my good god.. I cant imagine who would go into this field.

I can see why this (proctology and colorectal surg) would have been attractive. Very few rectal emergencies. Lots of elective procedures that are mainly out patient and reimburse well like roids and fissures. Back in the day before good colonoscopes the guys weilding the ridgid sigmoidoscopes did tons of scopes and if they found early CA they could cure it, just like the GI guys now. They still do rigid sigs as an adjunct to their procedures. The emergent calls are for easy things like perirectal abscesses. True the view never changes but it can be worth it in the end 😛 .

 

[wertyjoe]

Speaking of proctology, don't you guys just love that episode of Seinfeld?
What a cool license plate "A$$man"

 

[Atlas]

Speaking of proctology, don't you guys just love that episode of Seinfeld?
What a cool license plate "A$$man"

That was my plan!! I figure I could put it on my future porsche!! 😛

 

[G'ville Nole]

I can see why this (proctology and colorectal surg) would have been attractive. Very few rectal emergencies. .

As someone who just had an enchilada plate for lunch, I'd have to say that "rectal emergency" is in the eye of the beholder. Now I've just got to find some good reading material... 😀

BTW, Atlas, love the avatar! "So wise...like a miniature buddha covered in hair."

 

[Pikevillemedstudent]

Actuallly it is a residency not a fellowship and can be completed in just three years after med school. They perform colonoscopies and minor rectal surgery. Only one residency left in the entire nation. Apparently they do well financiallly and with regards to lifestyle. Being known as the "assman" is a downside that keeps many away I think.

http://www.kmcnetwork.org/gvmeded/Proctology/ProctologyHome.cfm