RESUMO
International medical graduates (IMGs) face countless challenges when migrating to a new healthcare system, of which understanding the UK appraisal and revalidation system is one. We investigated whether provision of educational material on appraisals would improve IMGs' confidence in their understanding of the UK appraisal system. A prospective pre-post interventional study aimed at IMGs was carried out between 25 February 2022 and 9 March 2022. A mixed-methods survey was undertaken pre (n=519) and post (n=63) intervention. The pre-interventional survey highlighted IMGs' lack of experience and knowledge of the General Medical Council (GMC) appraisal and revalidation process. Postinterventional responses showed a significantly higher confidence rating in IMGs' understanding of the UK appraisal process (p<0.001). Utilising simple educational tools can be beneficial for IMGs to gain confidence in navigating appraisals and help bridge the attainment gap when entering a new healthcare system. Barriers, such as lack of knowledge, can be easily rectified without the need for significant investment.
RESUMO
Simultaneousinvolvement of the supraclavicular and axillary lymphatic basins is known to occur in metastatic skin cancers. We present the case of a 35-year-old male with metastatic melanoma present in the right neck and axillary lymph nodes. He underwent a combined, in-continuity dissection of both basins using intraoperative ultrasound to ensure full clearance of lymph nodes from the cervicoaxillary canal, which otherwise would have been impossible to achieve without clavicle osteotomy. This allowed us to avoid a division of the clavicle and related morbidity. Postoperative imaging confirmed no residual disease, and no local recurrence subsequently. We conclude that intraoperative use of ultrasound can help guide surgeons trying to achieve clearance of metastatic disease in anatomically complex regions, avoiding unnecessary morbidity.