International Educational Scholarships The ASCRS International Committee offers two types of International Educational Scholarships to attend the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting and further advance the education of early-career general or colorectal surgeons. These scholarships are awarded primarily to underserved regions of the world, yet the Committee is open to considering applications from any young surgeons participating in the development of colorectal training or treatment programs in their country. See what previous awardees had to say about their experience. ASCRS International Educational Scholarship Criteria Background ASCRS remains committed to supporting education, research and expansion of the specialty of colorectal surgery, particularly in the underserved regions of the world. The focus of these scholarships will be on colorectal surgeons practicing outside of the United States and Canada, in parts of the world where the specialty of colorectal surgery is not well established and in areas of great need. The scholarships provide funding to assist with travel to the U.S. to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) and participate in additional educational opportunities. These scholarships are designed to identify young surgeons with a high potential to advance the specialty within their community. Up to seven awards are granted annually. Ideal candidates should be active in research and/or teaching, have been published, or wish to pursue an academic career. They should also show a high potential to advance the specialty of colorectal surgery within their communities. Selection of the scholarship recipients will be based on the applicant’s experience, dedication and potential to impact the specialty and his or her community. Please note: These awards are not intended for senior and/or well-established colorectal surgeons. The scholarships are intended for general or colorectal surgeons who have completed residency and are in their first three years of practice in colorectal surgery or a similar GI practice in areas where the specialty of colorectal surgery does not exist. Eligibility The candidate should: Be a colorectal surgeon (or similar GI practice if colorectal surgery does not exist). Must be a currently practicing surgeon, but Must not have been in practice more than 3 years; Demonstrate a commitment to practice in the subspecialty of colorectal surgery; Be available to attend the next ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting; Demonstrate interest in and opportunity to expand the field of colorectal surgery in their community. Awards The International Travel Scholarship funds travel and registration fees to attend the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. This award is intended for surgeons practicing in parts of the world where the specialty of colorectal surgery is not well established and in areas of great need. Selection of these awards will be based on the applicant’s commitment and potential to impact his or her community. The Career Development Scholarship funds travel and registration fees to attend the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting as well as visits with up to two of the top-rated U.S. colorectal training programs. This award is intended to identify young surgeons with a high potential to advance the specialty. The ideal candidate should be active in research and/or teaching, have published and be looking to pursue an academic career. Both awards include a one-year online journal subscription to Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. Selection Process The candidate should submit the following to ascrs@fascrs.org: Please note: All documents must betyped and submitted in English. Completed application form Provide two letters of reference with one of the references from the applicant’s department chair or program director; Provide a current and complete curriculum vitae; Write a letter stating: Background and ambitions within colorectal surgery Perceived personal and community needs Potential to expand colorectal surgical services in the country of origin Future career plans. All applications will be reviewed by the ASCRS International Committee. Applicants will receive notification of final decisions from the International Committee by email. Recipient Responsibilities Attend the next ASCRS Annual Meeting (Click here for U.S. Visa Info) Attend the International Committee meeting held at the ASCRS Annual Meeting. Give a 3- to 5-minute presentation to the ASCRS International Committee regarding the colorectal specialty in the recipient’s home country. Submit a final report to the International Committee outlining the recipient’s experiences within 90 days of the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. Submit documentation for all expenses within 60 days of attending the Annual Scientific Meeting. Consider submitting an abstract for the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. Caveats The International Committee is the determining authority. In any year, the committee may recommend awarding a lesser number of or no scholarships and may elect to modify the funding offered. Reports provided by the recipients may be published in the ASCRS Newsletter and on the ASCRS website. The scholarships are non-transferable. Additional Resources Information on obtaining a travel visa https://www.usa.gov/visas https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html/ European Society of Coloproctology https://www.escp.eu.com/ American College of Surgeons International https://www.facs.org/international