Introduction Intraoperative feedback can be associated with improved surgical performance. Quality feedback can reduce the time required by trainees to achieve proficiency in psychomotor skills. Operative training time has become increasingly limited, and it has become imperative to use surgical training time effectively. Aim In this survey, we assessed trainees’ perspectives of intraoperative feedback. We included several aspects of feedback including its occurrence, quality, and potential barriers. Methods All surgical trainees in a single centre were invited to complete an electronic questionnaire. Participants were anonymised. We summarised data using descriptive statistics. Results Most trainees (85%) reported they had the opportunity to share their training goals with trainers. Just under three-quarters of trainees felt they always or sometimes got timely feedback. Only half of the trainees were signposted to feedback and 23% felt feedback was not part of their department's culture. Half of the trainees did not always feel comfortable asking for feedback from their trainers stating their reasons as fear of criticism, lack of time and competing clinical commitments. Conclusion There is no denying the importance of feedback on operative performance, however, this survey shows that many of the pillars of quality feedback are poorly adhered to.

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Aim Disparities in medicine may be caused by many variables including sex, ethnic background, specialty choice and practice location. International Medical Graduates (IMGs) in particular face challenges that could impact their learning and career progression. In this study we aim to investigate challenges faced by Female IMGs that could impact their learning and career progression. Materials and Methods An electronic survey composed of 36 questions was distributed via different social media platforms to groups including IMGs. Analysis of responses was done via Google forms. Results We received a total of 148 responses. The majority of the survey participants (59.5%) perceived their gender and IMG status to be a barrier to their career progression. 94 (63.5%) of the participants reported they did not receive adequate support from their organisations. 65.5% felt they did not receive adequate support from seniors and 43.2% felt they did not receive adequate peer support to facilitate their integration into the U.K. medical system. More than 80% of the participants required more support with access to research/higher degrees and opportunities for leadership roles whilst more than 50% required support with accessing study budgets and less than full time training to progress in their careers. Conclusion Disparities caused by gender and ethnic background leave female IMGs vulnerable to additional challenges that could hinder their career progression. Additional support measures addressing these issues should be installed in order to facilitate a smooth career pathway for this subgroup of medical professionals.

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