Northwest Colorectal Foundation

The Northwest Colorectal Foundation was formed in 1999, as an adjunct to support the educational efforts of the Northwest Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons. The NWCRC was itself formed in 1956, originally drawing its members from Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, and has sponsored an annual scientific meeting since that time(or “recently celebrated its 50th annual meeting). . In recent years, the membership has expanded to include members from all of the Western states, and because of the high quality of its meetings, often attracts many surgeons from the East, Midwest and South as well.

The mission of the Northwest Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons is to provide education and discussion of contemporary methods of diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the anus, colon and rectum, and to encourage scientific study of such issues. Beneficiaries of this interchange include not only colorectal surgeons and surgical residents, as well as surgeons from other specialties, but also primary care physicians and patients.

In the late 1990’s, a man with a serious illness was referred to one of our members, and felt that he received such superior care from this particular colon and rectal surgeon that he offered financial support for the Society’s educational programs which emphasized compassionate care and medical ethics. This led to the establishment of the Northwest Colon and Rectal Foundation, through which the donations of this man and many others have been used to support and emphasize the importance of empathy and concern for the emotional well-being of patients, in additional to the scientific and technical aspects of managing their disease states. Another important goal supported by the Foundation is the encouragement and education of students and surgical residents interested in the practice of colon and rectal surgery, by means of travel grants and awards for academic excellence in the study and presentation of patient problems.

Donations to support this educational mission are tax-deductible, and may be made in any amount by check or credit card. For donations, please send donations to the address below: