Report by Dr Tharveen Nair

Southern Colorectal Symposium (SCS) was held for the very first time on 8th to 9th September 2023 at Hospital Sultan Ismail (HSI). It was one of its kind events in the southern region focusing mainly on colorectal malignancies.

It was a harmonious collaboration between the surgical and oncological department of HSI to come together in organising this event. Committee members were surgeons, oncologist, medical and house officers who worked effortlessly for nearly 6 months to ensure a successful symposium.

The whole idea of SCS 2023 was the fact that colorectal cancer is the second most common cancer in Malaysia and the disease burden is obvious. Hence, all healthcare professionals need to be equipped with the adequate knowledge to fight this disease in order to improve the patients’ outcome.

Therefore, SCS 2023 served as a platform for exchanging knowledge, sharing insights, and exploring the latest advancements in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of malignant colorectal conditions. The theme for this year was “Get Behind a Cure”. It was in line with our goal in battling a disease in the aim for cure.

Throughout the two days, the committee had crafted an excellent scientific program that encompasses a wide range of topics from screening in colorectal cancers to cutting edge surgical techniques and even individualised decision making in special cases. We had 6 main plenaries focusing on polyps and colon cancer; colorectal surgeon’s dilemma; rectal cancer; rare tumours; advanced colorectal cancer; and special clinical situations. We had a separate session on the Malaysia CPG of Colorectal Cancer as well. Most plenaries had matured and insightful complex case discussions which surely benefited the delegates.

In terms of the line up of speakers, we had the opportunity to have eminent speakers from the colorectal and oncological fraternity from all over the country. Mostly were from the Ministry of Health and few others from the universities and private centres. To mention a few known faces to everyone was like Dato’ Dr Fitgerard Henry (Head of Surgical Services MOH Malaysia), Datuk Dr Ahmad Shanwani Sidek (Head of Colorectal Services MOH Malaysia), Prof Datuk Dr Ismail Sagap (Director of HPKK UKM) and Mr Luqman Mazlan (President of MSCRS). Speakers were indeed knowledgeable, experienced and was involved in very engaging discussions with the floor.

Our heartfelt appreciation to the industrial partners as well who made the symposium possible. Moreover, special mention to the MSCRS for their kind endorsement of SCS 2023 which we are grateful for.

Lastly, we believe SCS 2023 had not only been a platform for learning and growth but also have created a long-lasting professional connections and collaborations among those who have attended. We are proud to say that SCS 2023 is a form of our journey in uniting our dedication to propagate in the field of colorectal medicine and improving the lives of our patients.

Prepared by,
Dr Tharveen Nair
Chairman of SCS 2023

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