News Items

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is saddened to learn of the loss of one of its honorary fellows, Lars Arvid Påhlman, MD, PhD, who died on November 21 at age 69.

Dr. Påhlman spent most of his career at the University Hospital of Uppsula, Sweden, and became head of the Colorectal Unit at the Department of Surgery at the University Hospital in 1989. Regarded as one of the preeminent colorectal surgeons in the world, he made a name for himself through his extensive research into the prevention and management of rectal cancer. He was well published and chaired or participated in many trials that addressed the treatment of rectal cancer.

A past president of the European Society of Surgical Oncology and the European Society of Coloproctology, Dr. Påhlman was also a founding member and past president of the Swedish Society for Colon and Rectal Surgeons. Dr. Påhlman served as a member of the ASCRS International Committee and in 2012 received the distinction of Honorary Fellow of the ASCRS.

Dr. Påhlman’s innumerous contributions have improved the lives of his many patients and paved the way for future advancements in colorectal surgery. Most importantly, he was a highly respected colleague and friend to many in the field. The ASCRS expresses its deepest condolences to his wife Lena and three grown children, along with warm appreciation for his service to the Society and the field.

Robert J. Rubin, MD, of Watchung, NJ, passed away on December 21, 2015, at the age of 87. A resident of Watchung for more than 40 years and highly respected surgeon in the field of colon and rectal surgery, he was a former vice president for the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Dr. Rubin received his MD from Jefferson Medical School in Philadelphia, PA, before completing residencies at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and Philadelphia General Hospital. He went on to become chief of surgery at JFK Medical Center and was also clinical professor of surgery at RWJ Medical School and co-director of their residency training program for colon and rectal surgery. In addition, Dr. Rubin served in the United States Navy from 1955-1957.

Throughout his storied career Dr. Rubin was known for his thoughtful nature and generosity in mentoring others in the field. The ASCRS extends its deepest sympathies to Dr. Rubin's wife, Lillian, his grown children, and friends, and gratefully acknowledges his contributions to the Society and the field.

It is with great sadness that ASCRS announces the passing of Dr. Theodore R. Schrock, MD, who served as the Society’s vice president from 1999-2000.

Dr. Schrock, born in Berne, IN, attended Indiana University in Bloomington, where he was named "Premed Student of the Year." He entered residency in surgery at University of California San Francisco, where he spent his 33-year career in academic medicine. Throughout his career, he published about 200 articles, book chapters and abstracts. He served as chief medical officer for UCSF Medical Center from 1998 until his retirement in 2004.

Those who would like to leave a message for Dr. Schrock’s family are encouraged to visit his Caring Bridge page.

The newest CREST® Weekly Curriculum module, Lift Procedure for Anal Fistula, is now available! This module covers the ligation intersphincteric fistula tract (LIFT) procedure for patients with complex and recurrent anal fistulas. Included in the module are full-text articles from Diseases of the Colon & Rectum and a brief posttest.

CREST® Weekly Curriculum modules provide a quick, easy way to refresh your knowledge on a topic and earn an hour of continuing medical education (CME) credit. Upon completion, the module is eligible for 1.0 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To access the CREST® site, please log in at the top of this page. Once logged in, click on MY ACCOUNT in the top right-hand corner and then choose the CREST® Online Learning Center link located at the top of your account information.

CREST® Weekly Curriculum modules are free to members. Not a member of ASCRS? Learn more about the benefits of membership in The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

March is National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month! Take this opportunity to promote the importance of colorectal cancer screening, prevention, and treatment.

There are numerous ways reach out to your patients and your community about the role colorectal surgeons play in the screening, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.

1. Utilize the ASCRS Member Colorectal Materials provided on the ASCRS website. There are a variety of ways, from patient education to media opportunities, to educate patients and the public on colorectal cancer.
2. Watch for the ASCRS’ social media posts to raise public awareness for screening on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Share or retweet these posts.
3. Promote Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month on your social media platforms.Create your own social media posts and use the hashtags #GetScreened and #Preventcoloncancer. Tag ASCRS with our handle @fascrs_updates.
4. Purchase new patient education brochures for your office and distribute through local wellness programs or hospital outreach programs. Include your contact information on patient education brochures.