HISTORY

During the early 20th century, proctology was a neglected area of medical practice with vulnerable patients often being treated by self-taught itinerant doctors. Most physicians were not adequately trained in the treatment of hemorrhoids, fissures, abscesses, and fistulas. The majority of medical schools did not have sections of proctology and most instruction was provided by departments of general surgery. Dr. Walter A. Fansler was focused on educating specialists and maligned practitioners who called themselves proctologists after completing a two-week course on the subject. In 1916 he established the first Section of Proctology at the University of Minnesota. Proctology training programs slowly started to emerge though without structure or standardization.  Read the full article here.

Scott R. Kelley, MD, April 11, 2023