Proctologist

A proctologist, more often called a colorectal surgeon in the United States, diagnoses and treats conditions of the colon, rectum, and anus. In a typical day you see patients in clinic, discuss symptoms, perform exams and procedures such as colonoscopy, and operate when needed, for example for hemorrhoids, fistulas, inflammatory bowel disease, or colorectal cancer. Conversations can be sensitive, so you help patients feel at ease. You work with gastroenterologists, oncologists, nurses, and primary care doctors. Preventive care is a big part of the work, since screening can find problems before they become serious.