Inspiration, preparation, and collaboration on the road to EBSQ success
The EBSQ Coloproctology examination, as the only Europe-wide certification in our specialty, plays a vital role in setting standards of excellence and uniting colorectal surgeons under a common benchmark of quality. With this significance in mind, the ESCP-TKRCD preparation course was designed to inspire, support, and guide candidates on their journey to success.
A summer of shared learning
From 3 June to 27 August 2025, every Wednesday evening became a highlight for more than 60 surgeons preparing for the EBSQ Coloproctology exam. What began as an idea from Eastern Group representative Mustafa Öncel soon grew into a truly international project: an online course open to all ESCP members, supported wholeheartedly by TKRCD and powered by global collaboration.
From local roots to international reach
TKRCD had already established a strong tradition of national preparation courses. This year, the model was scaled up and shared with colleagues across Europe - not only to prepare candidates for the exam, but also to inspire, motivate, and exchange experience. The TKRCD Board and its social media team ensured wide participation, bringing together an enthusiastic community eager to learn.
Wisdom from experience
Every weekly session was led by ESCP members who had successfully passed the EBSQ exam. Their personal insights made the course especially valuable: from case presentations and study tips to 'what really matters on exam day.' The live discussions and Q&A kept the energy high, while article dissections and sham exams became the most talked-about and memorable sessions of the summer.
A truly global classroom
The course united colleagues from across the continent and beyond: Frederic Ris (Sweden), David Zimmerman and Tina van Loon (the Netherlands), Janindra Warusavitarne (UK), and Giulio Santoro (Italy) joined Turkish colleagues in sharing expertise. Their experience and insights transformed the sessions into more than just preparation - they created a true professional family, proof that learning together transcends borders.
Meanwhile, the participant community itself was equally diverse, drawing surgeons from Romania, Greece, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, and Turkiye. This international mix enriched the discussions and gave candidates a sense of solidarity that will continue to inspire them as they approach the EBSQ Coloproctology exam.
Impact and momentum
Turkiye continues to be a strong contributor to the EBSQ, with 10–12 candidates each year and steadily rising success rates. Much of this progress is thanks to the preparation culture TKRCD has nurtured. The 2025 course demonstrated that these efforts can now inspire all ESCP members.
Looking ahead: 2026 and beyond
The success of this summer has only fueled ambition. The next cycle will start in April 2026, run through July, and finish in late August with another article dissection and sham exam. Every year promises to be more organised, more interactive, and more innovative - building excitement for the journey ahead.
Gratitude for teamwork
This project was possible thanks to the dedication of many. Together with me, whose vision first shaped the idea into a structured platform, colleagues like Çiğdem Aslan, Cihangir Akyol, and Erman Aytaç provided tireless support. The guidance of Ayça Gültekin, the new EBSQ Coloproctology lead, alongside David Zimmerman, the former lead, helped drive the project forward. Of course, Mustafa Öncel’s early initiative in bringing the idea to ESCP was pivotal, and special thanks go to Frederic Ris for his encouragement throughout.
Together, we have shown what can be achieved when experience, passion, and collaboration unite. And now - we cannot wait for 2026!
A new milestone: the EBSQ Preparation Book
And here comes some exciting news! Listening to our candidates, we know that the most requested resource has been access to the presentations. To answer this need, and under the proud leadership of TKRCD, we have already started preparations for a brand-new EBSQ Coloproctology Preparation Book. This volume will bring together the very best of our course presentations, carefully refined into a comprehensive guide.
The work is already underway - driven forward with enthusiasm by Sezai Leventoglu, Cihangir Akyol, Çiğdem Aslan, and Erman Aytaç. We believe this book will become a lasting legacy of our efforts and a treasured companion for every candidate aiming for EBSQ success.
EBSQ coloproctology core team:
Sezai Leventoglu, with Çigdem Aslan, Cihangir Akyol, Erman Aytaç, Mustafa Öncel & Ayça Gültekin