In 2022, FundamentalVR, a global pioneer in immersive VR surgical skills training and performance data, provided its platform “Fundamental Surgery” to the Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education (MITIE℠) in a partnership to bring engaging medical education into a VR experience called the MITIEverseTM.
The goal is to create the world’s first metaverse dedicated to delivering medical innovation, technology, training & education. Interact with world-leading surgeons and healthcare providers. Understand complex surgical procedures through case study video footage and anatomical 3D models. Participate in hands-on didactic training modules. Network with medical device and digital health companies to learn about emerging technologies.
The introduction of MITIE℠ to Fundamental Surgery marks a significant stamp of approval for the medical use of the metaverse in educational institutions. It gives MITIE℠an unparalleled reach to a global audience of surgeons hungry to learn about all the latest, life-changing therapies as if they are in the room physically.
The MITIEverseTM application is powered by Fundamental Surgery’s, CollaborationVR, a multiuser learning space with interactive models and a whiteboard to hold edifying lectures where users can log in from anywhere in the world. Bringing together surgeons and medical professionals in one virtual space to learn together and share experiences.
The MITIEverseTM app is key to MITIE’s effort in creating a digital version of its existing physical learning environment, and includes an auditorium that holds up to 50 participants with a theatre scale screen that allows them to observe, interact and learn as a group. In addition, individually branded interactive, small-group study spaces that hold up to 16 participants enable users to have intimate lessons and view and interact with relevant videos, images, and 3D models. The study spaces are branded to specific therapies; however, the most notable is the Debakey Heart and Vascular Center room, where attendees are able to view videos and interactive with cardiothoracic and cardiovascular anatomical 3D models to have a hands-on virtual learning experience.
Combined with Fundamental Surgery’s unique hardware-agnostic platform, surgeons are able to be trained in any setting, at any time, anywhere in the world, without the need to procure dedicated equipment. Education and training in the metaverse is a proven method that is delivering accurate results and better cognitive understanding of procedures. The medical training metaverse could be the beginning of the end for the need for surgeons to practice in wet labs, on animals or on cadavers, which can be costly and resource intensive.
The Houston Methodist Institute for Technology, Innovation & Education will benefit immensely from adopting Fundamental Surgery since modern-day technology evolves at an unprecedented scale, and FundamentalVR can help practicing healthcare professionals stay up to date. Surgeons complete several years of initial training and are then required to continue to learn and train alongside their day-to-day surgical roles. The MITIEverseTM can provide them with a one-stop shop for continuous education in an environment that can suit their needs.
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