![]() ![]() Then there are augmented reality applications, which bring virtual reality elements into the real world, like the one from 3D4 Medical, which is still in development. Microsoft has partnered with universities and developers in the US to create virtual reality-like applications to teach anatomy and to simulate medical examinations with its headset HoloLens.Ī recent independent application is an immersive 3D anatomy atlas Organon 3D, developed in Australia for Facebook’s headset Oculus Rift. ![]() Because it has so many uses beyond anatomy and has a “wow” factor that engages students, companies like Facebook and Microsoft are investing heavily in it. We use multimedia, games, 3D printing and medical imaging to engage and teach students in ways research tells us are most effective. We already use digital technologies extensively in anatomy courses. It is why virtual reality, by itself, is not a game changer for teaching medicine, but it can be a very useful tool if we understand how to use it effectively. The fact is no technology or tool can compensate for bad instruction. It seems hard to believe now, but in the 1990s we thought Microsoft’s PowerPoint was cutting edge. Remember, we have overestimated the role of new technologies in the past. It’s a big call but it doesn’t reflect the actual reality of medicine and medical training for a number of reasons. Some even predict it will see an end to using cadavers to teach anatomy. Virtual reality has been described as a game changer for medical education.
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