Third-year students at the College of Podiatric Medicine began utilizing the first two VR modules this semester, focusing on surgical instrumentation and lower-extremity anatomy. Acting Dean Jacqueline Truong noted that the technology provides layered, competency-based instruction that tracks progress while prioritizing patient safety. The college plans to scale these simulations to include multi-user, interprofessional scenarios, eventually sharing the curriculum with other medical schools.
In section Releases
WesternU Podiatry Boosts VR Training with Lawrence Family Gift
A $500,000 donation from Dr. Bruce and Janet Lawrence is transforming surgical training at Western University of Health Sciences. The funds will expand virtual reality operating room modules, allowing students to master complex procedures and collaborative teamwork in a simulated environment before treating actual patients in a clinical setting.
Beyond the digital infrastructure, the Lawrences established a $50,000 endowed scholarship to debut in the 2026-27 academic year. Dr. Bruce Lawrence, a podiatric surgeon with over 55 years of experience, emphasized that combining technological innovation with financial support is vital to meeting the rising demand for foot and ankle care. The initiative reflects a broader institutional goal at WesternU to integrate high-stakes simulation into its diverse healthcare training programs.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!