In the second of our 'Meet the Executive' series we introduce Communications Committee Chair, Peter Christensen, Professor and Consultant Colorectal Surgeon at the Pelvic Floor Unit, Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital.
Current position and hospital: Professor, Consultant Colorectal Surgeon, Pelvic Floor Unit, Department of Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital
ESCP Executive position: Communications Committee Chair
Main clinical and research interests: Patient reported outcomes, App development for scientific purposes in health, faecal incontinence, Sequelae following cancer treatment, pelvic floor rehabilitation, surgery for functional bowel problems, neurogenic bowel dysfunction.
Twitter handle: @PeterCh12345
What made you want to specialise in colorectal surgery?
I wanted to specialise in colorectal surgery because the field offered the combination of surgical challenges, arising innovative techniques, huge scientific gaps and potential for improvements in treatment, shared decision making with patients, and lack of priority in the society towards bowel problems which I wanted to see change.
What is the best part of the job?
The best part of my job is when I am involved in changing old paradigms in relation to treatment, science, organisation and teaching.
How long have you been involved in ESCP and what made you want to become involved?
At a committee level I have been involved in ESCP since 2012, being a senior registrar at that time. I found that ESCP was kind of an 'old man’s club' and thought my generation of colorectal surgeons had something new to offer to the society. Now Young ESCP taking on this mantle and is rapidly influencing ESCP’s activities and content.
What do you value most about being involved in ESCP?
From a personal perspective, the ESCP offers a way to reach out to the international colorectal surgical community. I enjoy the opportunities to get inspired, influenced, and to collaborate across borders. I believe this is the way forward to have a dynamic work life on the individual level and a dynamic speciality more broadly.
What would your one bit of advice for younger surgeons starting their career in colorectal surgery be?
My advice to younger surgeons at the beginning of their career would be to build up an international network within the speciality by participating in collaborative research, be active on social media and get involved by joining the ESCP and Young ESCP. Your participation and influence are absolutely welcome.