Committees

The Annual Meeting Abstract Reviewers are responsible for the review and grading of abstracts submitted to the Annual Scientific Meeting. The review and grading occur between October – November. The abstract reviewers serve a three-year term.

The Advanced Practice Providers (APP) Committee is comprised of both APPs and surgeons to create and refine engagement and education opportunities available for APPs.  Committee leadership will be shared between surgeon and APPs and content produced will be collaborative and with surgeon oversight and involvement. The committee term is two years and is renewable for a second two-year term.

The ASCRS U Leadership Committee comprises the ASCRS U Dean and Associate Deans. The committee curates all content on ASCRS U to ensure it meets the needs of ASCRS members. All appointments are made by the Executive Council.

The Awards Committee is responsible for selecting: a) the regional awards from papers and posters presented at the Annual Meeting; b) the Best Video; and c) the Best Paper(s); d) and Barton Hoexter Best Video Award. Committee members meet daily during the Annual Meeting and attend all scientific and poster sessions to evaluate each presentation. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee is responsible for creating and updating practice guidelines to assist physicians in caring for patients. For each CPG, committee members begin with reviewing the results of a comprehensive, transparent, reproducible literature search, which allows them to formulate recommendation statements. These recommendations are then graded by the committee according to their strength and quality level. Before finalization and publication, each CPG is vetted and approved by the ASCRS Executive Council and by the editorial board of Diseases of the Colon and Rectum, ASCRS's official journal, where the completed guidelines are published. While serving on this committee, members research and contribute to several different guidelines. The committee actively collaborates with other professional organizations on joint definitions and practice guidelines when appropriate. Committee members serve a three-year term of service, renewable for a second three-year term.

The Committee on Cancer seeks to provide the most up-to-date information regarding all facets of rectal, colon, and anal cancer care. The committee provides ASCRS members both virtual learning as well as opportunities to earn CME. A diverse group of committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Communications Committee promotes the mission of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons by engaging diverse audiences through interactive platforms for discussion, information sharing, and education about all aspects of colorectal care. The committee works to: 1. Ensure physicians have access to the resources they need to provide exceptional patient care. 2. Increase public understanding of colorectal diseases and awareness of the highly trained experts available to treat them. 3. Keep ASCRS members informed about the organization’s resources, history, and advancements in technology to support their professional growth and engagement. The committee also oversees the annual presentation of two awards: • The Local Hero Award, recognizing people affected by colorectal disease whose advocacy or public outreach efforts have had a positive impact on their local communities in the host city of the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting. • The Jagelman Award, honoring an organization that provides service and/or advocacy in colorectal cancer. Through these efforts, the committee reinforces ASCRS’s reputation as the world’s leading authority on colon and rectal diseases. Committee members serve a two-year term, with the option to renew for a second two-year term.

The ASCRS Conflict of Interest Management Committee is responsible for the development of conflict of interest policies and monitoring of adherence to those policies. This includes identifying and mitigating potential conflicts members may have while serving in leadership roles, determining processes used to review and mitigate COI for all educational activities offering CME credit, and defining triggers for committee review of potential conflicts. The committee will also develop procedures for determining consequences of members exceeding pre-defined COI limits relative to their eligibility to serve on ASCRS governance entities and/or participation in deliberations associated with their assignments. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Continuing Education Committee oversees all continuing medical education (CME) programs and ensures that ASCRS is in compliance with the standards set by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education. Committee members serve a three-year term of service, renewable for a second three-year term.

Serving both ASCRS and the Research Foundation of ASCRS, the Corporate Relations Committee is charged with strengthening meaningful, ethical collaboration between each organization and its corporate partners to support high-quality patient care in colorectal surgery. The committee provides guidance on corporate engagement, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities and standards, and identifying opportunities for productive partnerships in areas such as education, research, and emerging technologies. Its work is focused on fostering transparent, mutually beneficial relationships that advance the specialty and deliver value to members and stakeholders.

The Credentials Committee reviews applications for the various types of membership in ASCRS. All appointments are made by the Executive Council.

The ASCRS Engagement Committee is charged with developing and implementing strategies and programs to strengthen member connection, foster inclusivity, and promote active involvement in ASCRS programs and initiatives. The committee’s efforts will enhance the overall member experience, support career development across all practice types, and cultivate a sense of belonging across all membership categories. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Excellence, Empowerment and Accessibility (EEA) Committee promotes equity in access to colorectal care, cancer screening and treatment for underrepresented minorities (URM), and works to increase participation by URM members in all areas of ASCRS. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Healthcare Economics Committee (HEC) is responsible for presenting economic information to the ASCRS membership. The committee's responsibilities include tracking developments in managed care, regulatory and Congressional legislation as well as practice and employment issues that impact coding, billing, and other economically related issues that affect colon rectal surgeons and their patients.

The History of ASCRS Committee is responsible for collecting and compiling archival materials for the Society. Membership shall include ASCRS Past President(s) or Vice President(s). Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) Committee promotes the adoption of best clinical practices and research within the IBD community as well as patient and healthcare provider education through participation in IBD related meetings and social media outreach. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The International Committee has a primary focus of International Engagement with three subcommittees: 1) ASCRS International Travel and Career Development Awards, 2) Global Surgery/International Philanthropy, and 3) Meeting Engagement/Scholarship Opportunities for Young Surgeons. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Membership Committee is responsible for retention and recruitment activities of the Society. It recommends updates to the current member categories and criteria to the Executive Council, addresses membership benefits and promotes ASCRS membership and the specialty worldwide. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The New Technologies Committee facilitates the integration, evaluation, and dissemination of new technology in the practice of colon and rectal surgery for the Society. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Professional Outreach Committee is responsible for identifying and engaging with organizations that align with ASCRS’ identified strategic objectives as approved by the Executive Council. These organizations include physician, patient focused and advocacy groups. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Program Committee consists of the current Program Chair and three Vice Chairs, with participation from the President of ASCRS. The committee is responsible for the planning, implementation, and evaluation of the scientific program at the Annual Scientific Meeting. The committee selects all speakers and educational symposia and ensures that all educational and training products reflect the Society's vision and mission without regard to outside influence. Committee members serve a non-renewable two-year term of service. All appointments are made by the President-Elect.

The Quality and Safety Committee monitors activities of various national and international organizations and publications that shape the quality standards for colon and rectal surgery. The committee is dedicated to educating ASCRS membership on optimizing the consistent application of goals and standards for the safe and high-quality treatment of colon and rectal surgery patients. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Regional and Affiliated Societies Committee is responsible for fostering increased communication among regional societies and the development of joint-ventures and collaboration between the Regional and Affiliated Societies and the ASCRS.

The Residents Committee assists in the development of educational programs for residents and informs general surgery residents of the benefits of specializing in colorectal surgery. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term

The Self-Assessment Committee creates the Colon and Rectal Self-Assessment program (CARSEP®) to help physicians and residents assess their knowledge to provide optimal patient care. Self-Assessment Committee members craft CARSEP as a resource designed for colorectal surgeons in all stages of their career who are seeking to enhance their skills in diagnosing, treating, and managing a wide range of colorectal conditions. Committee members develop proficiency in writing high-quality questions and scenarios through research and collaboration with fellow members. Committee members serve a three-year term of service, renewable for a second three-year term.

The Pelvic Floor Disorders Steering Committee is charged with developing resources, training and collaborations with other organizations related to pelvic floor conditions and treatment. They bring forth strategic initiatives for the pelvic floor consortium. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Video-Based Education Committee determines surgical video education needed to meet ASCRS Member needs, as well as creates programming to create video content to meet strategic goals. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Women in Colorectal Surgery Task Force is dedicated to advancing the field of colorectal surgery through the promotion, support, and empowerment of women surgeons. Our mission is to foster an equitable environment that encourages professional and personal growth, leadership, and innovation.

The Young Surgeons Committee addresses encourages active participation in the activities of the Society. The committee offers education programming for young surgeons, feedback to the Executive Council on programs that would benefit young surgeons, and recommends the Traveling Fellow to the Executive Council. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.