History of ASCRS Tuesday, May 3, 8:45 - 9:45 am CME Credit Hours: 1 The importance of appreciation of the origins and history of an organization by its members cannot be overstated. Much can be learned from the journey of an organization, both the positive aspects and the negative detours and roundabouts. The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ASCRS) has a long and storied history that spans 3 centuries and was greatly impacted by subsequent recognition of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS). This symposium will delve into aspects of ASCRS history, including the founding of a surgical society dedicated to patients with unmentionable diseases and disorders shunned by mainstream medicine and formerly left to charlatans and quacks of the era, along with the eventual rise of women into a surgical discipline originally dominated by men. Objectives At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: Recognize the foresight, persistence and determination that led to the recognition of the American Board of Proctology (name later changed to the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery) as the 18th independent board of the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS), and the importance of this recognition in the growth of the specialty. Recognize the importance of the establishment of formal training programs as the specialty evolved amid efforts to standardize education and the surgical care provided to patients. Identify the journey of the first woman diplomate of the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery (ABCRS) in a surgical discipline originally dominated by men. Explain the journey of an organization and the natural evolution that occurred in the various aspects of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons: the journal, board and management of the society. Explain the founding of the American Proctologic Society (d/b/a the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons) and its dedication to patients with unmentionable diseases and disorders shunned by mainstream medicine and formerly left to quacks and charlatans of the era. Agenda Co-Directors: William Cirocco, MD, Phoenix, AZ Matthew Ziegler, MD, Royal Oak, MI 8:45 am Introduction William Cirocco, MD, Phoenix, AZ 8:50 am Maturation of the ABCRS Herand Abcarian, MD, Chicago, IL 9:00 am Origins of the Training Programs Stanley Goldberg, MD, Minneapolis, MN 9:10 am The First Woman Diplomate of the ABCRS Ernestine Hambrick, MD, Stanley, VA 9:20 am Organization at a Crossroads Terry Hicks, MD, New Orleans, LA 9:30 am The Hirschman Branch of the Proctology “Tree”: The “Next Wave” after the Founders William Cirocco, MD, Phoenix, AZ 9:40 am Questions and Answers 9:45 am Adjourn