Define Proctologist

A proctologist is a doctor who specializes in field of proctology. Proctology is the branch of medicine that deals with diseases and conditions that affect the colon, rectum and anus.

Etymology

• The word 'proctologist' comes from ancient Greek. In this language, the word 'proktos' means anus, and '-logy' (or -ology) is the suffix that is placed after a concept to denote a field of study in it.

Title

• It is important to note that in modern medicine, the title proctologist is rarely used. The field is often called colorectal surgery, and the practitioners are known as colorectal surgeons.

Training

• In order to become a specialist in colorectal surgery, the candidate must first study general medicine, then do a surgical residency and finally complete a residency in colorectal surgery.

Certification

• Once the would-be proctologists have completed the necessary training, they will need to be certified by either the American Board of Colon and Rectal Surgery or the American Osteopathic Board of Proctology. They will usually then join the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.

Salary

• The average salary for an experienced proctologist is around $291,000, but can rise up to around $520,000.