Colon and Rectal Fellowship

Program Director:
J. Marcus Downs, M.D.
Presbyterian Hospital of Dallas
8200 Walnut Hill Ln
Dallas, Texas 75231
Phone: 214-363-6123
Fax: 214-750-1512

Number of Residents (per Year): 1

Number of Faculty (ABCRS Certified): 5

Salary/Year:
The salary is determined by the Southern Academic Consortium and is comparable to other PGY6 positions within this region. The salary for the 2010-2011 year was $62,429.12. A salary increase is usually expected around November.

Case Mix/Number of Cases:
Extensive operative experience with a good blend of major abdominal and anorectal surgery is provided. The fellow will perform approximately 250 colonoscopic examinations, 250 major abdominal (40 laparoscopic) operations and 325 anorectal operations.

Strengths of Program:
The program provides a mix between the private practices of two busy colon and rectal surgeons and an academic practice at the City County Hospital of a major academic university. The conference schedule at the medical school is extensive.

Clinic or Office Experience:
An outpatient clinic is held at Parkland Memorial Hospital one day/week at which the fellow gains extensive office experience. Participation in the private offices of all colorectal surgeons is also performed.

Interaction with General Surgery Residents:
The time spent at Parkland provides an opportunity to teach and interact with general surgical residents at all levels of training.

Conferences:
Weekly colorectal conference (case presentations with radiology and pathology review). Textbook review of assigned reading is conducted weekly during a Monday lunch conference. There is a monthly journal club to review and critique current literature. Also grand rounds at the medical school, "Selected Readings," textbook conference, and "Chiefs' Conference" are available.

Anorectal Physiology Availability:
Anal manometry and endoscopic ultrasound are performed by a colorectal surgeon with the resident. Exposure to defecography is provided.

Outside Rotations:
None are offered.

Research Year:
None available. However, there is opportunity to work with one of our colon and rectal surgery faculty who is actively performing basic science research at the medical school. Also numerous clinical research opportunities are available.

Requirement for Paper:
Submission of an abstract for the ASCRS meeting is required and completion of a scientific paper is highly encouraged.

Opportunity to Attend Meetings:
The resident attends two meetings per year, one of the colorectal postgraduate courses, and the ASCRS Annual Convention in the spring. Also, the resident is supported to attend the ASCRS-sponsored laparoscopic courses.