Turkey

Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (TKRCD)

ESCP Representative: Sezai Leventoglu, FACS, FEBS Coloproctology, This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

The Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery (TKRCD) is a pioneering professional organisation dedicated to achieving scientific, academic, and clinical excellence in colorectal surgery. As detailed on our website, we continuously advance the exchange of professional knowledge, innovative practices, and international collaborations through courses, congresses, symposia, webinars, and our state-of-the-art Virtual Academy platform.

The rapid evolution of medical knowledge

In today’s fast-paced medical environment, the half-life of information is becoming shorter every day. Predictions suggest that the duration during which information remains current will soon drop to just 6-8 months. In such an era of rapid scientific advancement, traditional textbooks cannot keep pace with new developments. For this reason, it is increasingly convenient and effective to deliver the curriculum on colorectal surgery through dynamic online tools.

Virtual Academy – your 24/7 learning hub

The Virtual Academy, designed by TKRCD, is a non-profit training platform accessible around the clock. It caters not only to general surgeons but also to residents, nurses, medical students, healthcare professionals, and other stakeholders who require swift access to accurate and up-to-date information. The platform provides a comprehensive learning environment that includes:

Theoretical information and training videos: Covering anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, open and minimally invasive surgical techniques, procedure side effects, and complication management. With 546 training videos currently available, the Virtual Academy covers the entire curriculum on diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus.
Interactive tools: Including virtual classes, live case discussions, and training modules that are just a click away, facilitating interactive and self-directed learning.
Exams and self-evaluation: Designed to help professionals prepare for proficiency examinations, with the added benefit of receiving a certificate of attendance upon module completion. Participants who complete all modules are awarded a Virtual Academy Certificate of Achievement, which serves as an important reference when applying for the TSCRS Certificate of Competency.

The Virtual Academy is divided into five distinct sections: colorectal diseases, proctology, enterostomatherapy, colonoscopy, and academic education. Its dynamic design allows for regular updates and the addition of new presentations to meet evolving learning objectives.

To explore our Virtual Academy, please visit https://virtualacademy.tkrcd.org.tr/introduction

Our activities and collaborations

TKRCD maintains strong international relations and actively promotes the exchange of information and joint projects among colleagues. In particular, our collaboration with the European Society of Colorectal Surgery (ESCP) is vital for both educational and scientific research purposes. Joint events with ESCP provide access to internationally standardized educational programs and cutting-edge scientific research. In this context, TKRCD proudly represents Turkey on the ESCP platform. Currently, Turkey is home to 119 ESCP members and 53 EBSQ-certified surgeons.

EBSQ Coloproctology preparation courses and SHAM examination

Under the framework of the European Board of Surgical Qualification (EBSQ), TKRCD organises comprehensive preparation courses for physicians aspiring to specialise in coloproctology. These courses, led by experienced academicians and pioneering practitioners, are designed to enhance both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Additionally, the SHAM examination - conducted as part of this preparation process - offers participants invaluable exam practice and is a crucial step toward success in the EBSQ Coloproctology examination.

National colorectal surgery competency assessment

TKRCD also spearheads national efforts to evaluate and certify the proficiency of general surgery specialists with an interest in colorectal surgery. This competency assessment is a critical benchmark for professional development and patient safety, providing participants with the opportunity to validate their current knowledge and skills in the field.

TKRC2025 Congress

A highlight of our annual activities is the upcoming TKRC2025 Congress - a landmark event in colorectal surgery in Turkey. This congress will convene experts, practitioners, and researchers from across the nation and beyond to share the latest advancements, discuss innovative treatment strategies, and build valuable professional networks. With robust support from ESCP and other international partners, TKRC2025 will further enrich the platform for scientific dialogue and collaborative learning, reinforcing Turkey’s leadership in colorectal surgery.

For more information about the congress, please visit the dedicated congress website: https://www.tkrcd2025.org

Our vision for the future

Dedicated to continuously expanding our scientific activities and international collaborations, TKRCD is committed to keeping our educational initiatives current and developing specialised projects to address the evolving needs of our colleagues. Through close collaboration with international organisations such as ESCP and by offering comprehensive educational programs, TKRCD ensures that Turkey’s scientific and clinical capabilities in colorectal surgery are continually enhanced.

TKRCD invites you to participate in all our events and take advantage of our Virtual Academy - a platform that supports the exchange of professional knowledge and adherence to international educational standards, thereby contributing not only to your individual career development but also to the advancement of colorectal surgery in Turkey.

Turkish Journal of Colorectal Disease

The Turkish Journal of Colorectal Disease is an open-access, peer-reviewed journal published quarterly by the Turkish Society of Colon and Rectal Surgery. It publishes high-quality scientific and clinical research - including reviews, case reports, and technical notes - focusing on the management of diseases affecting the small intestine, colon, rectum, anus, and pelvic floor, and targets healthcare professionals such as surgeons, pathologists, oncologists, and gastroenterologists.

For more details, please visit https://www.turkishjcrd.com/aims-and-scope