Egypt is a land of rich history and strategic importance, serving as a crossroads of civilizations for millennia.
- Area: Approximately 1,010,408 square kilometres (390,121 square miles)
- Capital: Cairo, Africa’s largest city
- Administrative divisions: 27 governorates
- Language: Arabic (official)
Medical education and healthcare system in Egypt
Egypt’s healthcare system is evolving with ongoing reforms in education and service delivery, aiming to ensure equitable access to quality care for all citizens.
Medical Education
- Structure: Medical education in Egypt follows a 5-year undergraduate program plus a 2-years internship.
- Number of medical schools: 39 medical schools affiliated with public and private universities.
- Graduates: Approximately 12,000 medical students graduate annually.
- Postgraduate training and education: Includes master's and doctoral programs, residency training, Egyptian fellowships programs, and Arab Board.
Healthcare system
- Public sector: Includes clinics and hospitals operated by the Ministry of Health and Population (MOHP), providing affordable or free healthcare services.
- Private sector: Includes clinics, hospitals, and specialized centers offering high-quality care.
- Teaching hospitals: Linked to medical schools, they play a crucial role in education and research.
Colorectal surgery in Egypt
There is a significant overlap between general surgery, digestive surgery and surgical oncology specialties and colorectal surgery in Egypt. The overlap exists in both the foundational training phases and the scope of practice.
Training pathway
- General surgery residency and postgraduate degrees:
- There are four specialised colorectal surgery units in Egypt in Cairo University, in Ain Shams University, in Alexandria University and in Mansoura University.
- Colorectal surgery specialisation:
- Egyptian fellowship program in colorectal surgery organised and maintained by the Higher Committee of Medical Specialties under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Population.
- Medical doctorate degree in colorectal surgery organised and maintained by Mansoura University.
Professional development and continuing education with ESCRS
The Egyptian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ESCRS) plays a pivotal role in the ongoing education and professional development of colorectal surgeons in Egypt. Established in 1999, ESCRS is dedicated to promoting optimal management and high-quality care for patients with colorectal diseases through continuous medical education and research.
ESCRS organises annual conferences, workshops, and masterclasses that provide platforms for knowledge exchange and skill enhancement. ESCRS' annual conferences bring together distinguished faculty from Egypt, the Middle East, Europe, and the USA. The 26th Annual Conference in 2025 will take place on 27-29 August 2025.
International collaboration:
- In 2022, in conjunction with ESCP, ESCRS hosted a masterclass 'Colorectal Surgery for a Modern Age' in Cairo.
- In 2023, in conjunction with the European Crohn’s Colitis Organisation (ECCO), ESCRS hosted a masterclass 'Inflammatory Bowel Diseases' in Cairo.
- In 2025, in conjunction with ESCP, ESCRS will host the 4th ESCP Beyond Europe Masterclass: Management of colorectal emergencies and complications in Cairo On August 27th, 2025.
- ESCRS is also listed among international colorectal societies by the American Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), highlighting its global engagement.
For more detailed information about ESCRS, including upcoming events and membership opportunities, you can visit their official website: escrs-eg.org
National representatives
Current representative
Professor Mostafa Shalaby: contact
Mostafa Shalaby is Associate Professor of Colorectal Surgery, Mansoura University, Assistant Secretary of Egyptian Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ESCRS), and ESCP research and regional working group committee member.
Past representatives
- Waleed Omar: Professor and Chair of Colorectal Surgery Unit, Mansoura University.
- Waleed Thabet: Professor of Colorectal Surgery, Mansoura University.