Introduction: Tetanus is a highly fatal infection that causes tonic convulsions. Although magnesium sulfate may be effective as a treatment option for myopathic symptoms, there is little knowledge regarding its use. Therefore, this study assessed the use of magnesium sulfate for patients with tetanus requiring critical care management.Methods: Using multiple mailing lists of registered physicians in Japan, a questionnaire survey was conducted on the conditions during which magnesium sulfate was used for patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. An internet questionnaire form service was utilized.Results: The number of targets in this study was 24,266 and responses were received from 604 physicians, 252 of whom treated patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. In total, 126 of the above physicians used magnesium sulfate for tetanus.Conclusion: Magnesium sulfate was used for a substantial number of patients with tetanus requiring critical care management. To establish the utility of magnesium sulfate as a tetanus treatment option, further evidence is required.

Introduction : Family medicine residency programs (PGs) have been increasing in Japan, but the Japan Primary Care Association (JPCA) does not publicly provide employment information. We conducted a complete survey on PGs, and elucidated the actual online provision of information required to assess risk factors influencing career development.
Methods : We conducted an online investigation in January 2013 of the JPCA-certified PGs updated as of December 18, 2012, regarding the main facility type, benefits, terms of employment, and the type of employment by the duration of the contract.
Results : There were 160 PGs in total. Those affiliated with universities were excluded and the remaining 129 PGs were analyzed. No salary/wage information was provided by 40 PGs (31.0%). Full-time employment was indicated by 64 PGs (49.6%), of which 6 had fixed-term employment. Only 11 PGs (8.5%) were confirmed to offer indefinite-term employment.
Conclusion : From the information provided online, it was difficult to identify the type of employment by the duration of the contract. Currently, JPCA does not impose regulations on the terms of employment to be posted. Therefore, it would be desirable for the JPCA to take the initiative in collecting and disclosing accurate and adequate information.

Introduction : Municipal government scholarships for the purpose of support of rural health & medically underserved areas has increased, but repayment exemption conditions of the scholarships vary. We conducted a survey of scholarships to clarify their impact on physician careers.
Methods : A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted from November 2013 to January 2014 among municipal governments administering scholarships associated with selective medical school admissions for medically underserved areas in 2013.
Results : There were 59 scholarships administered by 42 municipal governments connected with 53 universities. The mode of the total loan amount was 14.4 million yen. Features of the loan agreements were a high repayment interest rate (over 10%) in 70% of the scholarships and a requirement for lump-sum repayment in 41 scholarships. Three programs allowed free choice of residency training for 3 years or more during the obligatory term, while 48 programs did not allow such choice during the entire obligatory term.
Conclusion : Eighty-percent of the scholarship programs do not allow for the minimum 3 years of basic post-graduate training required by specialty training program guidelines. In order to prevent the anticipated reduction in future applicants to these scholarship programs, appropriate interest rates, repayment rules, and allowance for specialty training are required.