News Items

Cindy J. Kin, MD, MS, FACS, FASCRS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Stanford University Medical Center
Stanford, California 

Why I am a member of ASCRS:

If my immediate colorectal family members are my partners at Stanford, then my extended colorectal family is ASCRS, where I can be sure to find friends, collaborators, mentors and mentees...and happily, that eccentric aunt with all the wisdom, that crazy uncle with all the tricks of the trade, and that goofy but brilliant cousin! I am grateful to be part of this vibrant, evolving, and diverse community, where everyone brings something special to the table. 

Why I specialized in colorectal surgery:

I find colorectal surgery to be a very humanizing field. Working with colorectal surgery patients is such an art and they teach us so much—how to really listen and observe, and how to translate that into appropriate treatment (or simply empathy).

I also liked the prospect of enjoying a wide variety of diagnoses, procedures, and patients, while also building a deep expertise about colorectal diseases. In one clinic day, I could see everything from a hemorrhoid in a healthy young person, to cancer in an octogenarian, to inflammatory bowel disease in a middle aged person. In one OR day, I might start off with a couple small anorectal cases and end with a major case involving multiple other surgical services. Yet despite all this variety, I can still be a true expert in this field. 

What other field has such breadth and depth? None other than the awesome field of colorectal surgery! (Also, we have a song about us which pretty much sums up the greatness of our field.) 

Sean J. Langenfeld, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Associate Professor and Chief, Colon and Rectal Surgery
Department of Surgery
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Omaha, Nebraska

Why I am a member of ASCRS: 

This society gives me so much that it’s hard to summarize: scholarship, camaraderie, innovation, and professional support. Most of all, it’s an extremely fun group, and I always look forward to the annual meeting where I can catch up with friends while enjoying an excellent program. I feel privileged to be a part of such a talented and forward-thinking society. I do my best to give back to the ASCRS, but I always end up receiving much more than I ever contribute.

What do you want your patients to know about you?

I want them to know that I am honored that they have chosen me and entrusted me with their care, and I take the responsibility very seriously. My goal is to make sure that they understand their disease and their treatment options well. I have a detailed, methodical approach to clinical problems that ensures I’ve accounted for all the important variables. I work hard to provide the best care possible.

This webinar originally aired on Thursday, November 14, 2019, 7-8 pm CST
Cost: FREE

The recording will be available soon.

This webinar is for any ASCRS member interested in being a mentor or mentee.

Moderator: Tracy Hull, MD

Mentor/Mentee: David Rothenberger, MD, Ann Lowry, MD
Mentor/Mentee: Patricia Sylla, MD, Daniel Popowich, MD

Join us for this free webinar where participants will answer questions about:

• What makes a great mentor?
• How to choose a mentor?
• Maintaining the mentor-mentee connection
• Mentoring outside of your space
• ASCRS Mentorship Program
• and much more!

This webinar is part of the ASCRS Leadership and Professional Development Program.

Deborah Keller, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Assistant Professor of Surgery
Division of Colorectal Surgery
Columbia University Medical Center 

Why I am a member of ASCRS:

For the continued education, career support, and mentorship. And because it is the most inspiring group of surgeons anywhere.

What advice do you have for future colorectal surgeons?

Find the things that make you happiest in practice and the people that support and inspire you—this is where you should spend your time. 

Daniel I. Chu, MD, FACS, FASCRS
Associate Professor
Associate Director, Health Services Research
Medical and Quality Officer for General Surgery/Sepsis
Associate Scientist, Minority Health and Health Disparities Research Center (MHRC)

Where do you practice?

I joined the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in Birmingham, Alabama in July 2014 after completing my colorectal fellowship at the Mayo Clinic. I have the great privilege of working with 5 colorectal surgeons at UAB (Greg Kennedy, Melanie Morris, Jamie Cannon, Karin Hardiman and Drew Gunnells). My practice covers the entire spectrum of colorectal disease but has an increasing focus on inflammatory bowel disease. My NIH-funded research interests focus on identifying, understanding and reducing health disparities in surgery with particular attention to health literacy.

Why I am a member of ASCRS:

ASCRS has always played an important role in my career. As a resident, ASCRS was the key society that most influenced (and confirmed) my decision to pursue a career in colorectal surgery. As a fellow, ASCRS was the society where I found the greatest of friends and colleagues. As faculty, ASCRS continues to help me grow in knowledge, skills and experience. I still rave to trainees that colorectal surgery is the best profession and that they need to come to ASCRS to see why.

What advice do you have for future colorectal surgeons?

Colorectal surgery is the best. From a clinical standpoint, you will never be bored and always challenged—from 25+ disease processes to managing abdominal catastrophes, patients need you and no day is ever the same. From an operational standpoint, you become an expert in all sorts of techniques (endoscopic, minimally-invasive, open, etc.) applied in all sorts of places (anus, pelvis, abdomen, etc.). From an academic standpoint, you will find that colorectal surgeons are prolific researchers with expertise in the basic sciences, translational work and all forms of health services research.

Like I tell trainees, colorectal topics don’t usually make for great ice-breaking coffee or bar talk, but everyone poops. As a colorectal surgeon, you will never be lacking in meaningful, high-impact and valued work. So my final advice: consider becoming a colorectal surgeon, join ASCRS, and come meet colorectal folks at the ASCRS Annual Meetings!