Virtual Reality: A Medical Game Changer

Decades ago, virtual reality (VR) was seen as a fictitious fantasy beyond the scope of our generation. Today, this far-fetched technology has become a reality, and is taking the world by storm. While it has proven its capability in the world of entertainment, VR is no longer viewed as an expensive toy, but an innovative opportunity for advanced education.

The human body is undoubtedly the most complex and highly ordered machine we know to exist. Take a moment and think about our intricate, yet exceptionally organized internal biology. Even the simplest tasks require flawless synchrony across multiple organ systems. For centuries, aspiring doctors have relied on cadavers and detailed drawings in the effort to fully understand our body’s biological mechanisms. Now imagine this learning experience in a virtual environment; being able to virtually observe the anatomical structures beneath our skin, and fully assess their function in relation to each other. Using real-life scenarios, VR can be used to prepare medical personnel, both mentally and physically, for situations when a patient’s life is at risk. Even beyond medical education, VR has implications for alternative therapies such as pain relief, anxiety, PTSD, and depression.

The global VR healthcare market is projected to reach $3.8 billion by 2020. With several platforms already available and hundreds of new players wanting a share of this rapidly expanding virtual universe, prepare yourself for an exciting and alternative way to perceive education.