ESCP President’s Greeting
Dear Members of the European Society of Coloproctology
It is with great honour and privilege that I step into the role of President of the European Society of Coloproctology (ESCP). Having served on the Executive Committee for the past seven years, I have gained a deep understanding of the Society, its mission, and its immense potential. I am truly grateful for the trust you have placed in me.
In the year ahead, I look forward to building on the work of my predecessors, alongside the Executive Committee and our dedicated Secretariat, to further the growth and global reach of our Society. Our very successful Tripartite meeting in Paris has been a significant milestone and an opportunity to reaffirm our shared vision.
As we expand internationally, we must also embrace the importance of fostering diversity within our Society. Welcoming a broad range of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences not only enriches our community but also strengthens our ability to innovate, educate, and lead on a global stage.
A key objective this term will be to deepen our partnerships with affiliated societies and to forge new alliances. I am confident that these collaborations will bring significant benefits to ESCP members by enhancing our educational offerings and broadening our participation in international research initiatives.
Education and research have always been central to our mission, and I remain committed to advancing both. We will continue to support cutting-edge research, encourage cross-border collaboration, and develop educational programmes that address the evolving needs of our members. Importantly, we also recognise the value of involving patients and the public in shaping our research and educational activities - ensuring that our work remains relevant, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of those we serve. Together, we can continue to advance the science and practice of colorectal surgery and improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
One of the initiatives closest to my heart is our ongoing commitment to the next generation of surgeons. As a Society, we have a duty to support and empower young professionals through high-quality education, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. By investing in them, we ensure the long-term vitality and success of our field.
I am excited for the year ahead and look forward to working with all of you as we take the next steps in advancing our shared goals and continuing to improve colorectal surgery worldwide.
Thank you for your continued support and engagement.
Warm regards,
Miguel Pera, ESCP President
ESCP Secretary’s Message
A very warm welcome to all of our friends from The Association of Coloproctology of Great Britain and Ireland, The Section of Coloproctology Royal Society of Medicine, The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Colon and Rectal Surgery Section, The Colorectal Surgical Society of Australia and New Zealand and The American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons.
It is a great privilege for ESCP to host our Tripartite partners at the Palais des Congrès in beautiful Paris, a truly romantic city with stunning architecture, exquisite food and a rich cultural scene. Our Society is blessed with extraordinary venues across Europe for our annual meetings.
ESCP is now a global organisation with members from 131 countries across the world. I am sure you will all join me in extending a huge thank you to Quentin Denost for the amazing program he has put together with 81 speakers from 18 countries and 766 abstract presenters from 60 countries.
This meeting is about sharing our colorectal knowledge, meeting up with friends in the colorectal world across the globe and cementing research and other collaborative ties. It is also about celebrating a year in the life of the ESCP under the presidency of Antonino Spinelli, an extra-ordinary surgeon who needs no introduction to the colorectal world. I would like to personally thank Antonino for his immense leadership during his Presidency in 2024/5. Antonino now hands over to Miguel Pera, a former treasurer of ESCP.
As well as our annual meetings we also run ESCP Regional Masterclasses. This year the programme continued with the Beyond Europe Masterclass being held in Cairo, Egypt covering the Management of Colorectal Emergencies and Complications. In Europe a successful masterclass was held in Greece in April this year with further masterclass scheduled in Turkey and Belgium in 2026.
Last year I quoted the words of Andrew Shorthouse and John Nicholls, authors of A History of the European Society of Coloproctology, “collaboration is the key to future success”. As we continue to live in a world full of conflict, our societies and this meeting will bring us all together to learn and to share our knowledge for the benefit of our patients throughout the world.
Finally, next year is our 21st scientific conference and ESCP will be meeting in the 'City of a Hundred Spires' - Prague, the magical capital city of the Czech Republic. Please hold the dates - 23-25 September 2026.
To all of our participants across the world, I wish you all a very good meeting, whether you are joining us in person or from afar.
Carolynne Vaizey, ESCP Secretary