International Council of Coloproctology (ICCP)
In 1990, the World Council of Coloproctology (WCCP) was formed on Hamilton Island, Australia, following the World Congress of Coloproctology in Sydney. The original purpose was to provide a forum for exchange between established national societies and international federations of colorectal surgeons, in addition to fostering and supporting the formation of colorectal organizations in countries in which the specialty was developing. In 2003, ASCRS offered to host the secretariat and the name was changed to the International Council of Coloproctology (ICCP). In return, ICCP has assisted ASCRS with its international activities, hence ICCP replaced the previous International Advisory Committee of ASCRS. ICCP now represents over 50 national and international societies of coloproctology; its primary activities relate to communication, standards, training, bowel cancer prevention programs and outreach; it holds workshops on these matters. In addition it fosters colorectal education by the annual provision of Fellowships and Travel Scholarships to individuals, and thereby other nations, to better standards of colorectal care around the world. ICCP is most grateful to ASCRS for its support in all aspects of these educational activities.
Some details are noted as follows:
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.
Visiting Fellowships/ Scholarships:
- 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.
Candidates: Those who are have completed their colorectal surgical training and who are able to add value to the future of colorectal surgery in their country by to refining their knowledge base and skills. Not intended for the more experienced surgeon to utilize as a sabbatical opportunity.
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.
- ASCRS Travel Scholarships: To be awarded by ASCRS Council on the recommendation of Council of the ICCP.
Candidates: Qualified general surgeons undertaking colorectal surgical training, from countries where there may be need for support and training opportunities are less well developed (or unavailable)
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 ideally 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).
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.
International Speakers:
- To recommend and develop a repository of names of suitable speakers for future meetings of ASCRS.
- Maintenance of a resource data bank for teachers/speakers for international activities.
- Advisory to Program Chairperson for subsequent ASCRS annual meeting.
Outreach Programs:
In concert with International colleagues, identify needs and opportunities to:
- support colorectal surgeons to assist in areas of need, and to…
- support colorectal surgeons to participate in educational programs as requested.
- explore granting opportunities with NGOs etc.
Training:
Maintain a current database of colorectal training programs around the world.
Standards of Practice:
Determine needs and utility (with input from Standards Committee of ASCRS).
Bowel Cancer Awareness and Prevention Programs:
Maintain a database of all current programs (government, organizational and patient advocacy based) and assist in the dissemination of information and support necessary to develop such programs.
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