Matteo Frasson is chair of ESCP's Young ESCP Group. He is coordinator of the Research Group in Digestive Surgery and Clinical Associate Professor at University Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain.
Current position and hospital: Coordinator of the Research Group in Digestive Surgery, Clinical Associate Professor, University Hospital La Fe, Valencia, Spain.
ESCP position: Young ESCP Group Chairman
Main clinical and research interests: Anastomotic leak, Colorectal Cancer, IBD
Twitter handle: @frasson_matt
What made you want to specialise in colorectal surgery?
The high prevalence of colorectal diseases and the rapid evolution of this specialty, with continuous improvements in surgical techniques and results.
What is the best part of the job?
The relation with the patients: to make them know that you are fighting with them and to be conscious that your help can make the difference in their life. Sometimes it’s a tough and exhausting job, you give them your time, your energies but you always receive so much from them.
How long have you been involved in ESCP and what made you want to become involved?
It has been a very gradual process. I was fascinated by the chance to share experiences with colleagues from other countries, to find solutions to common clinical problems and to improve the results of our patients. My first active involvement in ESCP was in the Cohort Study Group in 2014. We were a young group of surgeons with a very ambitious task: to deliver pan-European prospective studies in colorectal surgery. It was something new and it was very exciting. The results in terms of collaboration between surgeons in Europe (and beyond) were well beyond our expectations. And in these last four years we have never stopped growing and thinking about bigger projects.
What do you value most about being involved in ESCP?
The potential to grow as a surgeon and a researcher. In ESCP there is plenty of opportunity both in terms of research and learning. For example, my 3-month ESCP Fellowship in Paris with Dr Panis in 2014 was a great experience that enhanced my career and is one of the best periods of my life.
What would your one bit of advice for younger surgeons starting their career in colorectal surgery be?
Be hungry! Hungry for experience and hungry for knowledge: your patients deserve it! And, obviously I invite all the young surgeons to be part of the young-ESCP group, it is an open door to being an active part of our society.
