Weekly didactic teaching conferences are held with presentations by the staff and invited speakers. The residents will prepare and present at least two conferences on designated subjects. Other conferences include weekly radiology case management conferences with a radiologist in attendance, pathology lectures, monthly mortality and morbidity conference, and monthly journal club. All residents receive instruction in laparoscopy in a laboratory and in the operating room. Experience with each is gained as procedures are done in the clinic.
Opportunities exist in basic science, animal work, or clinical subjects.
Opportunities exist for more papers and most residents have several publications. All local and regional society meetings are encouraged. Attendance at approved meetings for presentation of a paper is encouraged and appropriate support provided. Surgical experience also includes approximately 1,962 coloscopies, about one-half of which are with polypectomy. The service also has the capability of performing anorectal manometry, endorectal ultrasound, laser surgery, transrectal endoscopic microsurgery and laparoscopic surgery.