Christopher Young

Biography

   Professor Young is Head of the Department of Colorectal Surgery at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. He is Executive Director of Surgical Education at the RPA Institute of Academic Surgery, and a member of the Australia and New Zealand Training Board in Colon and Rectal Surgery. He operates at RPA Hospital and Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.   Professor Young’s interests include surgical education and decision making. His colorectal interests include colon and rectal cancer, inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic floor dysfuction. He underwent specialty colorectal training at RPAH, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Concord Hospital and at the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio, USA.   Professor Young performs laparoscopic and open surgery for complex colorectal diseases including primary and recurrent colon and rectal cancer and inflammatory bowel disease, and for complex and recurrent perianal diseases.

Research Interest

   Decision making in surgery – rational and irrational elements and how they relate to the final decisions surgeons make. Particular examples 1) colon and rectal cancer and how groups of different specialists at multi-disciplinary committees can decide the best balance of surgery, radiation and chemotherpay, and how can the patient be best incorporated, informed and empowered in this process; 2) stoma formation associated with colorectal surgery. Competency based surgical training in colorectal surgery and general surgery: how to measure and assess competency, progress, retention, attrition and research. The role of colonic stent insertion and its place in the management of large bowel obstruction. Ileal pouch formation and their long-term function.