Committees

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; d) Barton Hoexter Best Video Award. Committee members meet daily during the Annual Scientific 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. CPGs begin with reviewing the results of a comprehensive, transparent, reproducible literature search which allows for formulation of recommendation statements which are then graded by the committee according to their strength and quality level. In order to be finalized and published, CPGs are vetted and approved by the ASCRS Executive Council and by the editorial board of DCR. Completed guidelines are published in ASCRS's official journal, Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. While serving on the 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 Committee oversees membership of ASCRS Committees.

The purpose of the Communication Committee is to promote the mission of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons to a diverse audience. The committee provides interactive venues for discussion, information, and education regarding all aspects of colorectal care, ensuring that 1) physicians have the best available resources to treat their patients, and that 2) the public understands colorectal diseases and the highly trained experts available to care for them. Through this committee’s work, both physicians and the general public will recognize the ASCRS as the world’s leading authority on colon and rectal diseases. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Conflict of Interest Management Committee is responsible for development and management of ASCRS conflict of interest 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.

The Credentials Committee reviews applications for the various types of membership in ASCRS.

The Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Committee will promote equity in access to colorectal care, cancer screening and treatment for underrepresented minorities (URM), and work 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.

This committee coordinates, manages and improves 1:1 mentoring initiatives, speed mentoring and mentorship webinars. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Finance and Management Committee is responsible for reviewing and evaluating investments and return of investments for Society activities.

The Healthcare Economics Committee is responsible for presenting information on issues affecting the colon and rectal surgeon to Congress and agencies of the federal government. The committee's responsibilities include keeping members informed on these issues and tracking developments in managed care, regulatory, legislative, and other issues that impact coding, billing, and reimbursement for colorectal services. Committee members serve a three-year term of service, renewable for a second three-year term.

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 awards the ASCRS International Traveling Scholarships. 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 Operative Resource and Competency Committee provides tools and resources, including virtual mentoring, laparoscopic and robotic training modules, didactic video, and lecture series, to assist and advance the practicing colon and rectal surgeon to learn, assess and refine procedural and medical knowledge to safely treat patients with diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Professional Outreach Committee is responsible for an outreach program to instruct physicians in the specialties of primary care, family practice, general surgery, and others with programs on the management and prevention of diseases of the colon and rectum. 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 develop, implement, and sustain an integrated educational strategy for medical professionals. Additionally, the Committee Chair-Elect, Vice Chair-Elects (multiple), and ASCRS President-Elect are invited to participate in quarterly update calls with Program Committee to ensure efficient succession planning. These committee members serve a non-renewable two-year term of service. All appointments are made by the Vice President at time of appointment.

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 Quality Assessment and Safety Committee monitors activities of the National Quality Forum (NQF), the Surgical Quality Alliance (SQA), and the AMA Consortium. The committee is dedicated to optimizing care for patients with colorectal disease by setting goals and standards for the treatment of diseases affecting the colon, rectum, and anus. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

To be the source of content expertise for rectal cancer surgical care - disseminating to ASCRS members resources and opportunities in rectal cancer care quality improvement, education, and research. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Regional Society Committee is responsible for fostering increased communication among regional societies and the development of joint-ventures and collaboration between the Regional 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 specialty's Colon and Rectal Self-Assessment program (CARSEP®) to help physicians assess their knowledge to provide optimal patient care. 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. This new committee is currently working on developing their strategic initiatives and timeline in addition to developing a consortium for pelvic floor representatives. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Video-Based Education Committee selects the videos presented at the ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting and designates other ASCRS programs where the videos can be used. Committee members serve a two-year term of service, renewable for a second two-year term.

The Young Surgeons Committee addresses concerns of young surgeons and encourages their active participation in the activities of the Society. The committee offers 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.