Title: AI Primer for Surgeons: Understanding the Foundations of Machine Learning and Modern AI Approaches with Colonoscopy and Polyp Detection as a Case Study
Date: Thursday, September 17, 2026
Time: 7 PM Central/8 PM Eastern
Panelists: Ankit Sarin, MD, Sean J. Langenfeld, MD
CME Credit Hours Available: 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™
Price for the live webinar registration: Members are free; non-members: $50
Note: Recordings are added to ASCRS U. Non-members must purchase a separate subscription to access recordings. For more information, please see: Non-Member Access to Recorded Webinars
Webinar Description and Learning Objectives:
This live webinar provides colorectal surgeons with a foundational understanding of the AI and machine learning technologies increasingly encountered in surgical practice. The session systematically introduces key AI architectures—deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks, transformers, and vision transformers—grounding each concept in the practical application of colonoscopy polyp detection. The final segment reviews the clinical evidence for AI-assisted polyp detection systems. Through a moderated discussion format, attendees will build the conceptual framework needed to critically evaluate AI tools across all areas of colorectal surgery.
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:
- Explain the fundamental architectures underlying modern AI systems—including deep neural networks, convolutional neural networks (CNNs), transformers, and vision transformers—and how each processes medical data
- Describe how these AI architectures are applied in the development and operation of colonoscopy polyp detection systems
- Evaluate the current clinical evidence for AI-assisted polyp detection, including impact on adenoma detection rates and quality metrics
Panelists:
Ankit Sarin, MD
Dr. Ankit Sarin earned his MBBS in Karnataka, India, and his MHA at Washington University in St. Louis, He completed a residency in surgical oncology and general surgery at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and New York-Presbyterian Weill Cornell Medical College, respectively and a fellowship in colon and rectal surgery and minimally invasive surgery at Washington University in St. Louis and UC–San Francisco, respectively. Dr. Sarin is a professor of surgery, division chief of colorectal surgery and the vice chair for robotics at the University of California–Davis. His expertise spans complex robotic colorectal surgeries, pioneering research in perioperative recovery and quality, and novel robotic techniques. He has published extensively on robotic surgery and artificial intelligence in surgery and is the chair of the Robotic committee of SAGES.
Sean J. Langenfeld, MD
Dr. Sean Langenfeld earned his medical degree at St. Louis University, completed his residency at the Kansas School of Medicine, and his fellowship in colon and rectal surge at the University of Texas–Houston. He is a professor of surgery and chief of the division of colon and rectal surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. He is a section editor for Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. He is a member-at-large for the ASCRS Executive Council.
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians.
DESIGNATION STATEMENT
ASCRS designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Board of Surgery (ABS) Continuous Certification
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
ZOOM LINK
All registrants will receive an email confirmation from Zoom with the access details and an add to calendar option after completing the registration process.
DISCLOSURES
Every person who is involved in the planning of this CME program has been asked to provide information regarding any financial relationships with ineligible companies as defined by the ACCME. They will disclose these relationships. All identified conflicts of interest will be resolved and listed below.
ACCREDITATION STATEMENT
The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education (CME) for physicians.
DESIGNATION STATEMENT
ASCRS designates this live activity for a maximum of 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits(s)TM. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.
American Board of Surgery (ABS) Continuous Certification
Successful completion of this CME activity, which includes participation in the evaluation component, enables the learner to earn credit toward the CME requirement(s) of the American Board of Surgery’s Continuous Certification program. It is the CME activity provider's responsibility to submit learner completion information to ACCME for the purpose of granting ABS credit.
ZOOM LINK
All registrants will receive an email confirmation from Zoom with the access details and an add to calendar option after completing the registration process.
WEBINAR REFUND POLICY
Registration cancellation for live webinars will be refunded when the cancellation occurs 8 days or more prior to the date of the event. Cancellations made within 7 days of the event will not be eligible for a refund. If you must cancel, your registration fee may be used as a credit toward the purchase of a 12-month subscription to the entire library of webinar recordings on ASCRS U. Please contact Elizabeth Moran at [email protected] to request a refund or for a credit toward your purchase of Access to Recorded Webinars.
DISCLOSURES
Every person who is involved in the planning of this CME program has provided information regarding any financial relationships with ineligible companies as defined by the ACCME. You may view the full ASCRS Conflict of Interest policy and planning committee disclosures here (See About ASCRS Webinars). All disclosed relationships have been reviewed and managed. There are no relevant financial relationships.