ASCRS’ 2010 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis set new physician and overall attendance records for a non-Tripartite meeting.  In total, 2,277 registrants – including 1,375 physicians – took part in the five-day scientific program that featured strong emphasis on genetics-based research.

A wide-range of sessions that tackled topics ranging from rectal cancer treatment advances and healthcare policy in the 21st century.

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It is an honor to have the opportunity to serve the Society in this challenging role. Our recent Annual Meeting in Minneapolis, MN, was a huge success, and we owe a vote of thanks to Drs. Matt Mutch and Steve Hunt, along with the program and local arrangements committees. Physician attendance set a new record for a stand-alone meeting.

The Society joined the Colon Cancer Coalition in sponsoring a highly successful “Get Your Rear in Gear” colon and rectal cancer awareness and screening run/walk May 16, just before the 2010 Annual Meeting opened.  More than 100 ASCRS members participated and raised more than $5,000.

The event attracted 5,000 participants and raised $200,000. A portion of proceeds raised by Society members will benefit the Research Foundation. The Colon Cancer Coalition, based in Minneapolis, presents "Get Your Rear in Gear" events to raise awareness and money to pay for colonoscopies for people who otherwise could not afford them.

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The Research Foundation raised $129,615 during the 6th annual “Meet the Challenge” program, surpassing its original goal by nearly $40,000. 

Three corporate supporters – Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Covidien and Genzyme Biosurgery – agreed to pledge a total of $45,000 for the 2010 fundraiser.  The goal was for ASCRS members to match this amount, thereby raising $90,000 to support Research Foundation grants and awards.

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The Society will extend its agreement with CBS HealthWatch™ for a colorectal cancer awareness campaign during the coming year, Public Relations Committee Chair Dr. Harry T. Papaconstantinou, Temple, TX, announced. Last year’s campaign kicked off March 1, 2010, and continued for 12 weeks, reaching approximately 40% of the U.S. in 17 major markets, according to CBS.

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ASCRS presented two new awards to recognize colorectal cancer advocacy efforts and journalistic excellence in reporting on the disease during the Minneapolis Annual Meeting:

• The David Jagelman, MD, Award for Advocacy in Colorectal Cancer was presented to Colon Cancer Coalition founder Kristin Tabor, Bloomington, MN.

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Dr. David E. Beck, New Orleans, LA, was elected ASCRS President at the Society’s annual meeting in Minneapolis. He succeeds Dr. James W. Fleshman, St. Louis, MO.

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Emotional intelligence that springs from concern for humanity is a critical component of professionalism, outgoing ASCRS President Dr. James W. Fleshman said in his presidential address, “The Impact of Professionalism.”

Dr. Patricia L. Roberts, Burlington, MA, accepted the ASCRS Research Foundation’s 2010 Mentor Award for her efforts to develop, stimulate and mentor medical students and physicians in the field of colon and rectal surgery.

Society members in cities across the country are encouraged to get involved with a series of upcoming local 5K races designed to generate awareness of colorectal cancer.

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Outstanding newspaper, television and Internet reports that promote public understanding of colon and rectal disease were selected as winners of the Society’s 2010 National Media Awards competition.

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I was extremely fortunate to be a recipient of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons’ 2010 International Scholarship. The award enabled me to visit two world-renowned colorectal units in the U.S., and attend the ASCRS Annual Meeting in Minneapolis.

For seven days in June, 27 surgeons and physicians went back to the classroom at Brandeis University near Boston. It was not the typical Continuing Medical Education course . . .

Effective January 1, 2010, the Category III CPT code 0170T was converted to a Category I CPT code.

Nine Regional Awards selected by members of the Awards Committee and presented during the 2010 Annual Meeting in Minneapolis honored outstanding papers, posters and videos submitted by researchers, committee chair Dr. Robin P. Boushey, Ottawa, ON, Canada, reports.

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In Switzerland, colorectal surgery is often integrated into hospital departments covering general, digestive, endocrine or transplant surgery.  Inevitably, most surgeons perform fewer colorectal and proctological interventions than dedicated colorectal surgeons in the United States.

ASCRS is grateful to the following companies and organizations for their generous support of the following projects and programs this year:

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Financial security, online enhancements and a stable Impact Factor rating were keys to another successful year for Diseases of the Colon & Rectum, Editor-in-Chief Dr. Robert D. Madoff, Minneapolis, MN, reports.

ASCRS will host its 2011 Annual Meeting in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, at the Vancouver Convention and Exhibition Centre, May 14 – 18.

Since its inception in 1987, the Vancouver Convention Centre has been British Columbia's flagship convention facility, hosting delegates from all over the world. A winner of numerous awards, the Centre received the prestigious and highly competitive . . .

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ASCRS welcomed 38 Fellows, three International Fellows, 67 Members, six Allied Health professionals and 28 Candidates to the Society during its 2010 annual business meeting.

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