Critical Review of Manuscripts Limit: 100 participants Wednesday, May 4, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm CME Credit Hours: 1.5 The peer review process is central to the continued advancement of scientific knowledge. Critical review of scientific manuscripts helps to ensure that the most reliable evidence is disseminated within the surgical community. This symposium is aimed at three groups: present and prospective reviewers for Diseases of the Colon & Rectum (DC&R), the practicing surgeon who wants to increase their critical appraisal skills, and authors who wish to improve their writing skills. It is designed to be hands- on. Through an interactive symposium, we will explore the most common study methodologies, identify appropriate questions for each method, while identifying the advantages, the disadvantages, and the common mistakes in study conduct, reporting and conclusions. Previously published representative papers from the four common methodologies will be identified in advance from DC&R. Prior to the symposium, the originally submitted unedited manuscripts of these four papers will be distributed to each symposium participant who will have the chance to read and critique them as if they were primary reviewers. During the symposium, each participant will be assigned to a small group led by an editorial board member from DC&R. Following an introduction of the manuscript by the faculty, the editorial board members will facilitate a working discussion and critique of each manuscript within the small groups. Board members will have access to the original editorial comments and the changes that were requested by the editors prior to publication to enhance the discussion. The benefit to each individual participant will be maximized with appropriate preparation time prior to the symposium. Objectives At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to: Recognize patient scenarios where observational studies are appropriate and can potentially provide strong evidence. Identify the advantages, limitations and proper use of studies using administrative databases Recognize the potential for bias and methodological limitations involving randomized controlled trials Recall the components of a valuable comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis Apply resources to enhance their critical appraisal skills. Agenda Director: Susan Galandiuk, MD, Louisville, KY 10:30 am Introduction Susan Galandiuk, MD, Louisville, KY 10:35 am Observational Studies Rodrigo Oliva Perez, MD, PhD, São Paolo, Brazil 10:45 am Observational Studies Small Group Discussions 10:55 am Administrative Database Studies Alexander Hawkins MD, MPH, Nashville, TN 11:05 am Administrative Database Studies Small Group Discussions 11:15 am Randomized Controlled Trials Deborah Keller, MS, MD; Sacramento, CA 11:25 am Randomized Controlled Trials Small Group Discussions 11:35 am Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses Aaron J. Dawes, MD, PhD, Palo Alto, CA 11:45 am Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses Small Group Discussions 12:00 pm Adjourn