TCU Medical Students Experience Interactive Holographic Training – NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth

Texas Christian University’s Innovative Medical School: A Glimpse into the Future of Medicine

Texas Christian University (TCU) has taken a bold step into the future of medical education with the unveiling of its new Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine. Nestled in the vibrant Medical Innovation District of Fort Worth, this state-of-the-art facility is not just a building; it represents a transformative approach to training the next generation of physicians. The dedication ceremony is set for Tuesday, and anticipation is high as the school prepares to make its mark on medical education in Texas.

A Sneak Peek into the Superfloor

NBC 5 recently provided an exclusive look at the school’s innovative features, particularly highlighting the third floor, affectionately dubbed the "Superfloor." This unique space is where traditional learning methods take a backseat to cutting-edge technology. Students who began their classes in June are immersing themselves in a world of augmented reality, using Microsoft HoloLens technology combined with Case Western Reserve University’s HoloAnatomy software.

Adam Jennings, the executive director of Simulation, Innovation, and Research at the school, emphasizes the advantages of this technology. “The three-dimensional relationships, the structures, you know, truly how the anatomy interacts within itself and with other parts of the body,” he explains. This immersive experience allows students to visualize and understand complex anatomical structures in a way that traditional lectures simply cannot provide.

The Power of Augmented Reality

Gone are the days when medical education relied solely on textbooks and PowerPoint presentations. Jennings recalls his own educational experience, which lacked the tangible aspects of anatomy. “With augmented reality and with a HoloLens, it’s as if you’re getting to actually experience the anatomy as opposed to just a PowerPoint,” he notes. This hands-on approach not only enhances understanding but also fosters a deeper connection to the material.

The Superfloor also features a simulation and technology lab where students can practice their skills in mock medical rooms. Here, they interact with advanced mannequins equipped with artificial intelligence, capable of blinking, looking around, and even displaying emotions. This realistic simulation prepares students for real-world medical scenarios, allowing them to develop their clinical skills in a controlled environment.

Real-World Experience in a Safe Environment

In addition to high-tech simulations, TCU’s medical school emphasizes the importance of human interaction in medical training. The clinical skills lab allows students to assess patients portrayed by paid actors, providing a safe space for them to practice their communication and diagnostic skills. Second-year student Ashley Kenney shares her experience: “Rotating through the hospitals can definitely be a very nervous experience,” she admits. However, the staged environment of the clinical skills lab offers a supportive backdrop for learning.

Under the watchful eye of professors, students like Kenney engage in patient assessments, asking questions and performing examinations. Feedback from faculty members, such as Dr. Sandra Esparza, assistant dean of the clinical curriculum, helps students refine their skills and build confidence. “I think what you did was really good. There are a few other questions that we might add next time,” Dr. Esparza advises, highlighting the collaborative nature of the learning process.

A Commitment to Empathy in Medicine

TCU President Daniel Pullin emphasizes that the investment in the new building and its technology is complemented by the school’s commitment to fostering empathy in its students. “One of the most important things that we impart on our students is the notion of being an empathetic scholar,” he explains. This principle encourages students to put themselves in the shoes of their patients and their families, promoting a patient-centered approach to care.

Patient communication is a core component of the curriculum, taught throughout all four years of medical education. Pullin believes that understanding the human experience behind each case is crucial. “It’s not just another case or another appointment during the day; it’s a life that our students can invest in and change in a positive way,” he states.

Inspiring Future Physicians

For students like Ashley Kenney, the journey to becoming a doctor is deeply personal. “I was really inspired to become a doctor after several experiences as a child, watching my family members go through really tough experiences on their own,” she reflects. Her desire to advocate for patients stems from these formative experiences, driving her commitment to compassionate care.

Whether immersed in textbooks or engaging with holograms, Kenney and her peers at TCU are not just learning medicine; they are being shaped into empathetic, skilled physicians ready to make a difference in the lives of their patients. The Anne Burnett Marion School of Medicine is not just a new building; it is a beacon of innovation and compassion in the heart of Texas.