It is equally important to prepare LSUHS fellows to pass the written and oral boards for colon and rectal surgery. Fellows are provided ample protected study time.

We have a weekly structured didactic meeting that will take us through the majority of a major colorectal surgery text over the course of the year. These topics are presented and discussed in an informal setting emphasizing key points that are likely to present on written exams or clinical scenarios which may be presented on oral exams. An M&M conference is held monthly to review outcomes and complications with the goal of improving patient safety. Additionally, a quarterly journal club is used to review highlights of recent literature focusing on the Diseases of the Colon and Rectum. Fellows also participate in the CHRISTUS Highland multidisciplinary tumor board.

Fellows are required to prepare an abstract for submission to the annual meeting of the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. A faculty mentor will be assigned to assist with the data collection, preparation and editing of the abstract. LSUHS fellows will be allowed to travel to this annual educational conference at the department’s expense.