Over the past year or so, I have written columns on some of the surgical disciplines within the House of Surgery. Today, I will focus on colorectal surgery and many programs within the ACS that benefit from the engagement of colorectal surgeons and should, in turn, benefit their practices and patients.
National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer
Among the most notable programs is the National Accreditation Program for Rectal Cancer (NAPRC), which was launched in 2017 through collaboration between the OSTRiCh (Optimizing the Surgical Treatment of Rectal Cancer) Consortium and Commission on Cancer, with input from the American Society of Colon & Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS).
The NAPRC now has more than 100 participating programs. In 2024, it was among the fastest-growing ACS Quality Programs.
This may be because the program has a great track record. For example, a 2024 study in the Journal of the American College of Surgeons showed that NAPRC-accredited hospitals had significantly lower mortality rates—at 30 days and 1 year—than nonaccredited hospitals, as well as significantly lower 30-day complication rates.
It may also be because of strong enthusiasm among the participants, as shown in a 2024 survey published in Surgery. That study also found most participating programs reported NAPRC participation improved their culture of quality and accountability, program coordination, and quality of their patient care.
To help ensure ongoing positive impact, we have just released updated NAPRC standards (effective in 2026). We, as always, receive guidance from NAPRC Committees to which ACS members can apply each spring.
Surgical Adhesions Improvement Project
The ACS is now leading the Surgical Adhesions Improvement Project, which has brought together surgeons and scientists from around the world to better understand and pursue solutions to this vexing sequela of abdominal surgical care. Our intention is to improve the outcomes of all such surgery, and this work is clearly relevant to colorectal surgeon colleagues. Read more about the project in the October 2024 issue of the Bulletin.
Supporting Colorectal Surgeon-Scholars
We are contributing to the next generation of surgeon-scientists, including those pursuing careers in colorectal surgery. Since 2008, the Clinical Scholars in Residence program has invited surgical residents to spend 2 years exploring surgical outcomes and health policy research at the ACS. Of the fellowship’s 27 past scholars, several are colorectal surgeons, and two of the seven current scholars are planning careers in colorectal surgery.
Additionally, our Health Policy Scholars program helps Fellows or Associate Fellows of the ACS attend the Executive Leadership Program in Health Policy and Management at Brandeis University. Scholars are selected from several surgical disciplines, including colorectal surgery.
Notable Colorectal Surgeons
We have ample other evidence of excellence and engagement among colorectal surgeons within the ACS.
One example is Clifford Ko, MD, MS, MSHS, FACS, FASCRS, FRCI(Hon), who is Senior Vice President of the ACS Division of Research and Optimal Patient Care (DROPC) and the Robert and Kelly Day Professor of Surgery at the University of California, Los Angeles. In his 20 years at the College, Dr. Ko has been instrumental in several programs listed above and more.
Our team also includes Genevieve Melton-Meaux, MD, PhD, FACMI, FACS, FASCRS, a professor of colon and rectal surgery and health informatics at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. Dr. Melton-Meaux is the inaugural ACS Chief Health Informatics Officer and is working to transform our data strategy for Quality Programs and other aspects of ACS resources.
Colorectal surgeons are further represented in ACS leadership by James W. Fleshman Jr., MD, FACS, FASCRS, who is chair of the Department of Surgery at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, Texas, a member of the ACS Board of Regents, and the DROPC Chair.
Asked about the representation of colorectal surgeons, Dr. Fleshman pointed out Harry T. Papaconstantinou, MD, FACS, FASCRS, who is chair of the Department of Surgery at Baylor Scott & White Medical Center in Temple, Texas, the current president of the Board of Colorectal Surgery, and a recent panelist at the ACS Leadership & Advocacy Summit. He exemplifies colorectal surgeons’ engagement with advocacy via the ACS—an important contribution many continue to make.
The ACS has also recognized colorectal surgeons as Honorary Fellows several times. The first, William Ernest Miles, FRCS(Eng), FACS(Hon), FRCSI(Hon), was recognized in 1930. He is the eponym behind the Miles operation (abdominoperineal resection), which he innovated in 1908 to improve rectal cancer survival.
More recently, we have given Honorary Fellowships to colorectal surgeons Andrew Graham Hill, MBChB, MD, EdD, FACS, FISS, FRACS, FRSNZ (in 2024), who has led randomized clinical trials on fundamental questions in surgical care and represented New Zealand on the ACS Board of Governors, and Nicola Fearnhead, BM BCh, FRCS, DM, FASCRS (in 2023), whose career has included prolific research and a strong focus on patient-centered care. Their work represents surgical ideals applicable to all surgeons. Finally, the ACS has an Advisory Council for Colon and Rectal Surgery that supports the ACS Central Judiciary Committee, recommends programming for Clinical Congress, and focuses on the needs of the specialty. It is one of 14 Advisory Councils that collectively represent all surgical disciplines at the ACS.
ACS Quality and Safety Conference
If you are interested in learning more about the NAPRC and other ACS Quality Programs, please join us at the ACS Quality and Safety Conference from July 17 to 20 in San Diego, California. This year, the conference will include more engagement from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and anesthesia professionals, increasing its perioperative value. Registration is open at facs.org/qsc2025.
Clinical Congress 2025
I also would like to highlight the postgraduate courses, education program, and panel sessions at Clinical Congress each year in colorectal and all other surgical disciplines. Please join us in Chicago, Illinois, from October 4 to 7. See more at facs.org/clincon2025. Registration will open soon!
