Introduction : While the number of women physicians is increasing in Japan, there is a tendency for these physicians to leave the workforce during their child-rearing years, contributing to an overall physician shortage. In order to create effective policies to ameliorate these shortages, it is important to assess women medical students' views on their careers after marriage and the factors that lead to a low motivation for continuation of their careers..
Methods : From 2010 to 2012, we conducted questionnaire surveys using visual analog scale (VAS) based and multiple choice questions on medical students at the University of Tokushima regarding these issues in women physicians. We analyzed the results of questions included in each of these three-year surveys for women medical students in the first, third and sixth year and men in their sixth year..
Results : VAS results for “intention to continue career after marriage” showed shorter measurements in sixth year women (median 86.5mm, interquartile range (IQR) 64-97mm) compared to sixth year men (median 98mm, IQR 92.5-100mm) (p<0.001). Sixth year women with a VAS of 75mm or under for “intention to continue career” showed less “interest in a medical career” than those with a VAS of 80mm or greater (median 79.5mm (IQR 64.5-88.5) vs. 90.5mm (IQR 82-100)) (p=0.001). All student groups analyzed indicated that a “sense of purpose” was the most important factor in their future careers.
Conclusion : Lower VAS levels for “the intention to continue career after marriage” were related to a lower level for “interest in a medical career” in women medical students, which has implications for education and guidance in the undergraduate years.

STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. PURPOSE: This prospective analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and bone-bonding rate of hybrid hydroxyapatite (HA) spacers in expansive laminoplasty. OVERVIEW OF LITERATURE: Various types of spacers or plates have been developed for expansive laminoplasty. METHODS: Expansive open-door laminoplasty was performed in 146 patients with cervical myelopathy; 450 hybrid HA spacers and 41 autogenous bone spacers harvested from the spinous processes were grafted into the opened side of each lamina. The patients were followed up using computed tomography (CT), and their bone-bonding rates for hybrid HA and autogenous spacers, bone-fusion rates of the hinges of the laminae, and complications associated with the implants were then examined. RESULTS: Clinical symptoms significantly improved in all patients, and no major complications related to the procedure were noted. The hybrid HA spacers exhibited sufficient bone bonding on postoperative CT. The hinges completely fused in over 95% patients within 1 year of the procedure. Only 4 spacers (0.9%) developed lamina sinking, and most expanded laminae maintained their positions without sinking or floating throughout the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid HA spacers contributed to high bone-fusion rates of the spacers and hinges of the laminae, and no complications were associated with their use. Cervical laminoplasty with these spacers is safe and simple, and it yields sufficient fixation strength while ensuring sufficient bone bonding during the immediate postoperative period.
Cervical Vertebrae ; Durapatite ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Laminoplasty ; Observational Study ; Postoperative Period ; Prospective Studies ; Spinal Cord Diseases ; Transplants