title: A look through the "retrospectoscope": reflections and realities on a decade of evolution of colorectal surgery in Canada. Colorectal guest lecture.
abstract: Although the origin of colorectal surgery dates back to 1835, it has only been in the past decade that major strides in this specialty have been made in Canada. The Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons was incorporated in 1983. Many other countries have also established national societies of colon and rectal surgery. In Canada, acknowledgement of the importance of the specialty has been slow for a number of reasons, not least of which have been concerns over turf. Nevertheless, it is unrealistic to expect a surgeon whose operative experience is spread thinly over numerous segments of surgery to equal the current achievement of various experts in only one of these fields. Despite their small numbers, members of the Canadian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons have made disproportionately large contributions to clinical care, teaching and research. A vibrant image and vital subjects of study will positively sustain the future direction of the specialty.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Sir Mortimer B. Davis-Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Que.
authors.forename: P H
authors.initials: PH
authors.lastname: Gordon
mesh_terms: D002170:Canada; D003107:Colorectal Surgery / Q000266:history; D049673:History, 20th Century