A tissue removal system includes an inner tubular member configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to an outer tubular member, and a reversible motor comprising a rotatable output shaft operatively coupled to the inner tubular member. A proximal end of the inner tubular member is disposed within, and configured to rotate and oscillate axially relative to, a housing. A first control switch disposed within the housing is actuated when the inner tubular member is in a distal position relative to the housing, and a second control switch disposed external to the housing is actuated by a user. The system further includes motor control circuitry configured such that when the second control switch is actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor output shaft to change direction, and when the second control switch is not actuated, actuation of the first control switch causes the motor to turn off.