Brad Schultes ‘24 And His VR Research
In the summer of 2023, a groundbreaking research project titled "VR for Healthcare Training" was conducted, which I had the privilege to be a part of along with Brother Austin Beal. Supported by our alumni association, we resided in our Chi Phi chapter house, sharing the space with ten other brothers. This setting provided not only an opportunity for in-depth research but also for unique bonding experiences within our fraternity.
The project aimed to address the stark disparities in global cardiac surgery access and education. Despite medical advancements, low- to middle-income countries still face significant challenges, with around 4.5 billion people lacking access to cardiac surgery. Diseases like rheumatic heart disease and congenital heart disease are widespread in these areas. Notably, of the 1 million babies born annually with congenital heart disease, up to 80% are not diagnosed until the disease has significantly progressed.
Our project explored Extended Reality (XR) technologies for cardiology education, focusing on developing Virtual Reality (VR) tools for cardiology training. This initiative was driven by Dr. Wallen's medical insight and Professor King's technical expertise, with the support of ORama VR in creating a comprehensive 3D heart model and simulations.
The primary objectives were to develop a VR platform for realistic simulations of cardiovascular systems and to establish a hands-on teaching platform for medical students and apprentices. We employed Unity software and C# programming, integrating innovative tools like AI Toolbox for ChatGPT and DALL·E, and utilizing assets from ORamaVR/Mages SDK to create interactive and lifelike simulations.
The project's ultimate goal is to incorporate real-world clinical data from cardiologists into these simulations, making them even more realistic and applicable. This will not only enhance the training experience for medical professionals and students worldwide but also aims to bridge the gap in healthcare training, especially in developing nations. By improving access to advanced medical training globally, we hope to make a significant impact on the efficiency and reach of medical education.
