Overview
The Office of Public Health (OPH) VR Project, led across all four campuses of the Southern University System, is transforming healthcare training with Virtual Reality (VR), tablet-based simulations, and advanced visualization tools. This initiative develops Health Physics and Anatomy simulations to enhance the learning experience for students and faculty in fields such as biology, nursing, and medical education. At the core of the project is the Anatomage Table, a state-of-the-art device that provides life-sized, 3D digital cadavers for detailed anatomical exploration. By integrating this with VR-infused curricula and immersive simulations, OPH enables learners to interact with the human body in ways never before possible—strengthening technical expertise, clinical understanding, and workforce readiness. The project addressed the following:
Traditional anatomy and health training methods often rely on static images and limited lab access, restricting learning opportunities.
Students and educators need interactive, high-fidelity simulations to better understand complex biological systems.
K–12 and undergraduate learners face gaps in exposure to emerging healthcare technologies, limiting career readiness.
Professional development in VR applications for healthcare remains fragmented and underutilized.
There is a growing demand for scalable, replicable, and measurable training tools that align with workforce needs in healthcare and medical education.
Approach
Immersive Simulation Development: Designed and deployed VR-based Health Physics and Anatomy simulations for headsets and tablets, delivering interactive and accessible learning experiences.
Integration of Anatomage Technology: implemented the Anatomage Table to provide layer-by-layer exploration of 3D digital cadavers, offering unmatched clarity in anatomy education for students and healthcare professionals.
Professional Development Workshops and School Outreach : Organized training sessions for the medical community, ensuring educators and healthcare professionals build confidence and proficiency in applying VR tools to teaching and practice.
Evaluation and Research: Conducted continuous data collection, internal evaluations, and reporting, ensuring objectives are met and findings contribute to advancing VR’s role in healthcare education.
Outcomes
Delivered VR and tablet-based anatomy and health simulations to enhance learning for 200+ biology and nursing students annually.
Provided hands-on access to life-sized 3D digital cadavers, improving anatomical comprehension and clinical readiness.
Increased undergraduate and K–12 student exposure to advanced VR tools, resulting in measurable gains in career interest and preparedness for nursing, biology, and healthcare professions.
Generated research outputs, evaluations, and best-practice guidelines advancing VR’s role in medical and STEM education.
Established a replicable, statewide model for integrating VR-enhanced curricula into K–12 and undergraduate healthcare pipelines.
