News Items

The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS) is seeking volunteers to serve on numerous ASCRS committees for the 2018 - 2019 year.

In preparation for the upcoming year's activities, the ASCRS is asking for volunteers to help meet the ever-changing needs of the Society and its members. Serving on a committee is one of the best ways to get involved and make an impact in the field of colon and rectal surgery.

The Executive Council has approved a Policy for Committee Membership. Additional ASCRS committee information is available on the Leadership and Committees web page.

If you would like to be considered for an appointment to a committee, please take a few minutes to complete the Call for Volunteers Survey. The deadline for responding is 11:59 pm Eastern time on March 18, 2018.

The Physician Payment Sunshine Act is part of the U.S. Affordable Care Act which requires manufacturers of drugs, medical devices and biologicals that participate in U.S. federal health care programs to report certain payments and items of value given to all licensed physicians and select teaching hospitals. Since August 1, 2013, manufacturers have been required to collect and track payments, transfers and ownership information for reporting to the government.

What is being reported? What is exempt from reporting? How do I find out what industry is reporting about me? How do I view the reports prior to the information becoming public? What can I do as a physician to ensure the accuracy of the data? What can I do if the information in the government provider database is inaccurate?

The ASCRS presented this webinar, hosted by Mr. Thomas Sullivan, the President of the Rockpointe Corporation, to address these questions and others.

Information provided in this presentation is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice.

Register today for the ASCRS webinar "Management of Anal Dysplasia: Is There a Correct Approach?" Join moderator Drs. Bard C. Cosman and speakers Stephen E. Goldstone and Emily Steinhagen for a 60-minute program that explores:

• Current strategies for the evaluation and management of the patient with high-grade anal dysplasia (HSIL) in different clinical settings.
• The role of surgical treatment in the management of "Bowen’s Disease."
• The evolution of HSIL and its conversion or progression to anal cancer - differing views to be reviewed and debated.

"Management of Anal Dysplasia: Is There a Correct Approach?" is Thursday, June 21, 2018 at 7:00 pm CDT.

The webinar is complimentary for ASCRS members and is eligible for 1 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. To participate, please register in advance.

ASCRS is now accepting original abstracts for the 2017 ASCRS Annual Scientific Meeting, scheduled for June 10-14 in Seattle, Washington.

The meeting will include new innovative technology, and the most up-to-date research in the field. The Annual Meeting offers attendees: topic-specific symposia, expert panels, hands-on workshops, oral and e-poster presentations, meet the professor breakfasts, and much more.

Abstracts may be submitted under the following categories:

• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Neoplastic disease
• Outcomes
• Benign colon
• Benign anorectal
• Basic science
• Pelvic floor

This year, all case studies will be reviewed for e-poster presentations only.

The ASCRS Research Foundation is accepting applications for Career Development Awards through July 1. The Career Development Award is the most sought after award from the Foundation as it helps support two years of research for young colon and rectal surgeons and provides up to $75,000 per year.

The Career Development Award provides young staff support for the initiation and development of academic careers in the field of diseases of the colon, rectum and anus. Research may be in any subject of direct relevance to the pathophysiology, evaluation, or management of diseases of the small bowel, colon, rectum or anus. The submitted application should include a clear and focused career development program for the period of the award.

Please encourage your potentially eligible staff to apply for this prestigious award and help us jointly move their careers forward!

Full information and application instructions can be found at: https://www.fascrs.org/educational-grants-and-awards.