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In 2003, the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons established a new committee of the Council of the Society to be known within the Society as the International Council of Coloproctology. This committee replaced the (previous) International Advisory Committee (of ASCRS) and will carry out the functions of that committee and the (previous) World Congress of Coloproctology (WCCP), with the addition of other expanded roles.

The activities of the committee include the following agenda items:

1. Informatics:

   Listing (and maintenance of a register) of all national colorectal surgical societies, email addresses, websites, (current) secretariat/Presidents, planned scientific meetings and national colorectal training programs, etc.

   In addition it intends to develop links between the web sites of (all) colorectal societies and to include information and means of access to colorectal journals.

2. Visiting Fellowships/ Scholarships:
   
   1. ASCRS International Fellowship: Generally one fellowship is awarded annually by ASCRS Council on the recommendation of Council of ICCP, to candidates (from any country) deemed likely to be able to gain significant educational benefit, and with a perceived need and the potential to further the development of the specialty in their country.

      Purposes: To attend the next annual scientific meeting of ASCRS and to visit a number of major US colorectal centers over a period of four weeks.

      Value: $US6000, plus registration to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting of the ASCRS in the year of the Fellowship and a one year subscription to Diseases of Colon & Rectum, the official journal of the ASCRS. Assistance is given with arrangements to visit other centers and local accommodation costs.

      Requirements: Completion of an application form and documentation as detailed in documentation entitled: "ASCRS International Fellowship" comprising a covering letter, criteria for application and an application form and submitted to the ASCRS by the nominated closing date.

   2. ASCRS Travel Scholarships: To be awarded by ASCRS Council on the recommendation of Council of the ICCP.

   Purposes: To enable young colorectal surgeons the opportunity to attend a meeting of the ASCRS, to encourage their submission of quality presentations to be considered for the meeting and to foster good international relations between the ASCRS and other national colorectal surgical societies.

   Value: Up to six awards will be made annually, each to a (maximum) value of $US3000 and financed on a two to one (2:1) matching basis, such that for every two dollars provided by ASCRS (maximum $2000 each), the sponsoring national society agrees to provide one dollar (maximum $1000 each).

   Additionally, ASCRS will include registration for the Annual Scientific Meeting and a one year subscription to Diseases of Colon & Rectum for one year (for each recipient).

   Requirements: Completion of an application form and documentation as detailed in documentation entitled: "ASCRS Travel Scholarships" comprising a covering letter, criteria for application and an application form and submitted to the ASCRS by the nominated closing date. The application must be accompanied by approval for matching financial support from the candidate’s National Society as outlined in the document.

3. International Speakers:
   
   1. To recommend and develop a repository of names of suitable speakers for future meetings of ASCRS.
   2. Maintenance of a resource data bank for teachers/speakers for international activities.
   3. Advisory to Program Chairperson for subsequent ASCRS annual meeting.
      
      
4. Outreach Programs:

   In concert with International colleagues, identify needs and opportunities to:

   1. support colorectal surgeons to assist in areas of need, and to…
   2. support colorectal surgeons to participate in educational programs as requested.
   3. explore granting opportunities with NGOs etc.
      
      
5. Standards of Practice:

Determine needs and utility (with input from Standards Committee of ASCRS).

6. International Collaboration:

Act as a facilitator in the development of international colorectal activities where appropriate.

Contacts:

Dr. Graham Newstead (Chairperson):
grahamnewstead@sydneycolorectal.com.au or new@bigpond.net.au

ASCRS headquarters office: ascrs@fascrs.org