University of Texas Affiliated Hospitals
Program Director: Michael J. Snyder, M.D.
6550 Fannin #2307
Houston, Texas 77030
Phone: (713) 790-9250 Fax: (713) 790-9251
Email: Michael.J.Snyder@uth.tmc.edu
Number of Residents (per year): 4
Number of Faculty (ABCRS Certified): 11
University Affiliation: The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Salary/Year: $45,587.00
Case mix / number of cases: The program provides a balance of the major elements of colorectal surgery. Each resident participates in approximately 150 abdominal colon operations, 200 anorectal operations, and 350 colonoscopic procedures during the year.
Strengths of program: Strengths of the program include a wide experience in both complex referral cases as well as the more common problems seen in a community based practice. Virtually all anorectal procedures are performed in an ambulatory setting. Our special areas of interest include: local excision of carcinoma of the rectum, preoperative adjuvant treatment of rectal carcinoma, colorectal endometriosis, fecal incontinence, single layer continuous bowel anastomosis, and rectal prolapse. Six of the faculty are now performing an increasing percentage of their colorectal resections laparoscopically. The program utilizes a number of different hospitals which offers a very realistic exposure to the practice of colon and rectal surgery in a setting influenced by managed care.
Clinic or office experience: A great deal of time (average 4 hours/day) is spent in the clinic/office where new patients (4500/year) are evaluated, postoperative patients are followed, and many problems are managed (rubber band ligation, minor surgical procedures, and medical therapy of anorectal and inflammatory bowel disease).
Interaction with general surgery residents: There is little interaction with general surgical residents and virtually no competition from them for operative cases.
Conferences: Residents are responsible for the colon and rectal surgical conference consisting of didactic presentations, morbidity and mortality, journal review, and case presentations. They also have the opportunity to attend general surgery grand rounds, as well as gastroenterology/surgery, pathology, radiology, and other specialty conferences. A weekly lecture series covers most of the topics of colon and rectal surgery.
Anorectal physiology availability: Anorectal physiological studies available include anal manometry, defecography, pudendal nerve conduction, EMG, and endorectal ultrasound. Ultrasound and manometry are performed by the colorectal surgeons.
Outside rotations: None are offered.
Research year: None available.
Requirement for paper: A paper is required for completion of the program and a large amount of clinical material is available for review. The resident is encouraged to submit this work for presentation at the ASCRS Annual Meeting and/or the Texas Medical Association.
Opportunity to attend meetings: Support is provided for each resident to attend one meeting during the year.