Transition to Practice and the Career Development of a Colorectal Surgeon

Completing surgical training is an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming, time for a young colon and rectal surgeon. Nothing can really prepare us for the first job and the career ahead, but this edition of Clinics in Colon and Rectal Surgery (CCRS) is intended to provide a road map for colon and rectal surgeons in the various phases of their career.

This edition begins with an excellent guide to finding a job out of fellowship and transitioning into practice. Being a new surgeon and building a clinical practice is no easy task. Inevitably, complications happen and growing from the experience is important to continue to deliver the high-level care that we have been well trained to provide.

The following articles dive into finding long-term fulfillment in our careers and continuing to develop and maintain our surgical expertise in an era where technical advances and artificial intelligence are being integrated into our daily lives. The academic triple threat surgeon still exists today, but requires intent and deliberate planning. We also review how colon and rectal surgery is a specialty that does not work in isolation and requires deep collaboration with many disciplines in the hospital to develop a successful program.

Without doubt, all our careers will evolve and knowing how and when to pivot is key. Our path to promotion is not always linear. Just like surgical training, developing formal leadership skills requires time and dedication. Ultimately, how do we truly determine the value of a colon and rectal surgeon? In this edition, we discuss the business of colorectal surgery and our value to hospital systems. Finally, a former American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons president reflects on a career in colorectal surgery.

I am incredibly grateful for the time and expertise of all the authors who contributed to this edition. They are leaders in the field of colon and rectal surgery, and I hope you find this edition meaningful and helpful in your own careers.

Rishi Batra, MD, MBA, FACS

Publication History

Article published online:
04 December 2025