Development

Each year, a number of highly trained colorectal surgeons complete the specialised training programme within Australia and New Zealand. Others will complete training internationally and return to Australia or New Zealand to practice. There are now specialised Colorectal Units in most major teaching hospitals in Australia and New Zealand and specialist colorectal surgeons have been appointed to a number of non-teaching hospitals.

On matters pertaining to colorectal surgery as a specialty, the society is recognised as the spokesgroup by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, the Federal Department of Health and Community Services, the Australian Medical Association and other specialist medical organisations within Australia and New Zealand.

The society enjoys close liaison with international specialist colorectal surgical bodies all over the world. Members of the Society have responsibilities on the Council of the International Society of University Colon and Rectal Surgeons and one of our members is currently Chairman of the International Council of Coloproctology. Appointments are held on the editorial boards of international colorectal journals and international liaison committees of overseas colorectal surgical societies, particularly the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons and the Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland.

A number of senior members are Honorary Fellows of these bodies. Members are frequent invitees to guest lectureships at international colorectal meetings to give named orations and to present papers. A significant number of invitations are issued on the basis of high quality internationally recognised research and clinical experience.