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Colorectal surgery is a surgical subspecialty in Australia and New Zealand.

Specialist colorectal surgeons have extensive knowledge of colorectal diseases and conditions, including colorectal cancer. This includes diagnosis, treatment and surgery.

In Australia and New Zealand, a formal colorectal surgical training program is run by the Australia and New Zealand Training Board in Colon and Rectal Surgery (ANZTBCRS) – a conjoint board formed by the CSSANZ and the Colon and Rectal Surgery Section, Royal Australasian College of Surgeons.

RACS PFET Accredited Program

About the ANZTBCRS Program

The purpose of the Post-Fellowship training program is to provide a structured educational and training experience to achieve expertise in the understanding, diagnosis and management of diseases of the colon, rectum, small bowel and anus.

Colorectal surgery is an increasingly competitive surgical specialty, with an average of three to four applicants per available training position each year.

The ANZTBCRS program is accredited by the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS) as a Post-Fellowship Education and Training (PFET) program. Two program streams are offered:

  • A two-year clinical program focused on advanced colorectal surgical practice
  • A three-year program comprising one year of research (as part of a higher degree) and two years of clinical practice

Clinical training is undertaken at ANZTBCRS-accredited units across Australia and New Zealand. Fellows are expected to complete at least one year outside their home state or country to broaden exposure to the full range of colorectal procedures and variations in technique.

Fellows are required to maintain a logbook of procedures, which is reviewed by the Training Board to ensure adequate breadth and depth of operative experience.

During the program, Fellows participate in monthly CSSANZ Journal Clubs and the annual ANZTBCRS Fellows’ Weekend, where they present on nominated topics and submit a written paper. First-year clinical Fellows are expected to complete a research project suitable for presentation and publication. An annual examination is held for second-year clinical Fellows, alongside annual progress interviews and a final Exit Interview following completion of clinical training. Additional training opportunities include laparoscopic and pelvic floor courses, with a range of prizes and scholarships also available.

Learn more about applying to the ANZTBCRS Program

ANZTBCRS Accredited Training Units

There are 29 ANZTBCRS-accredited hospital training units across Australia and New Zealand. Each training unit undergoes a rigorous reaccreditation process every five years. Accreditation is renewed only following reinspection of the unit and confirmation that all accreditation criteria are met.

Each accredited unit appoints a Supervisor or Program Director of Colorectal Training, who must be a CSSANZ member at that unit. The Program Director is responsible for supervising the Fellow in accordance with the requirements of the ANZTBCRS training program.

View details of accredited hospital training units