Training colon and rectal surgeons in Europe

Colorectal surgery training in Europe is delivered through a wide range of different systems run at the national level in each country. In most European countries, colorectal surgery is not yet a certified subspecialty. The Division of Coloproctology of the Union Europeens des Medicins Specialistes section of surgery started in 1998 and established accreditation and certification in Coloproctology in Europe. The European Board of Surgery Qualification (EBSQ) Coloproctology Examinations are held during the annual meeting of the European Society of Coloproctology and up to twice per year at other national meetings. The examination has a written component, an academic section where a recent published article is discussed, and an oral clinical review component. Acceptance of the EBSQ diploma has grown over the years, gaining professional acceptance and value. In 2015, 336 surgeons from 22 countries hold this diploma. Despite increased acceptance of coloproctology as a specialty and the need for certification, several barriers to establish official acceptance of the diploma at national level within Europe remain.