Colorectal Career Crossroads: Your Career’s (Sometimes Tortuous) Twists and Turns

Saturday, May 9, 2026

12:15 PM - 1:05 PM ET

Co-Moderator(s)

AW

Avery Walker, MD FACS FASCRS (he/him/his)

Colon and Rectal Surgeon
The Hospitals of Providence
El Paso, TX, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.
Judith L. Trudel, MD, FRCSC, FACS, FASCRS (she/her/hers)

Professor of Surgery (Adjunct Faculty)
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota
Minneapolis, MN, United States

Disclosure information not submitted.

CME .75 hours
Self Assessment .75 hours

This symposium explores the pivotal moments that shape a physician's professional journey. From navigating career transitions to confronting personal and institutional upheaval, the sessions will guide participants through the complex decision-making processes physicians face throughout their careers.

Key topics will include -

Career Crossroads - How do you know when it's time for a change? Whether driven by aspiration or dissatisfaction, we'll explore the emotional and strategic considerations behind lateral vs. upward moves, and the transition between private and academic practice.

Systemic Shifts - What happens when the ground beneath you shifts? We'll address how to respond when your hospital or practice is facing acquisition, disbandment, or closure-and how to maintain autonomy and purpose amid institutional change.

Personal Health and Professional Identity - From acute illness to life-altering diagnoses, how do physicians manage their roles in the face of personal health crises? We'll discuss options including curtailing clinical scope, transitioning to teaching or administration, reinventing one's practice, or retirement-alongside the possibility for proactive planning before a crisis hits.

Early Career Parenthood - The symposium will also highlight the unique challenges of navigating pregnancy and parenting during the first five years of medical practice, with a focus on work-life balance, support systems, and long-term planning.

This multidisciplinary symposium offers a space for open dialogue, shared experiences, and expert guidance to help attendees navigate both the expected and unforeseen turning points in their careers

Learning Objectives:

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

Identify the multiple external forces and personal reasons driving the decision to change one’s career direction and formulate a framework of pertinent elements guiding their reflection.
Compare and contrast the challenges of dealing with short- and long-term illness and disability and reflect on potential strategies to address these challenges.
Breakdown the respective challenges faced by pregnant surgeons, their patients, and partners/colleagues; and formulate a conceptual plan to begin discussion with all involved stakeholders.