Corewell Health Opens Medical Training Facility with VR and Robotics
A state-of-the-art medical training facility has been introduced in Grand Rapids through Corewell Health, providing an innovative approach to medical education and skill development.
The Corewell Health Clinical Simulation Center in Michigan spans 10 thousand square feet and is equipped with advanced medical training tools and resources.
Among the many training capabilities within the facility, an augmented reality simulator allows medical professionals to practice intricate procedures. A third-year surgical resident, Dr. Allison Hoppe, utilised this technology to conduct a virtual colonoscopy, meticulously scanning for lesions.
According to Hoppe, the simulator aids in refining hand-eye coordination and provides familiarity with surgical tools before operating on a human patient. She also noted that the simulation presents a higher degree of difficulty compared to actual procedures, which enhances the learning experience.
This simulator is one component of the comprehensive clinical simulation lab, which includes a variety of augmented reality training machines tailored for different surgical techniques. The facility also includes two completely simulated treatment rooms, two educational settings, a dynamic virtual reality environment, and several additional state-of-the-art training spaces.
Pam Jager, the clinical simulation supervisor, highlighted the technological advancements integrated into the facility. She explained that in the past, medical training followed an apprenticeship model, where trainees would observe and learn directly from experienced physicians in a gradual, hands-on manner. The introduction of advanced simulation technology now allows trainees to gain practical experience in a controlled environment before engaging with real patients.
The lab is strategically linked to Corewell Health’s Butterworth environs with the help of a skybridge. The facility officially began operations in November 2024, offering an immersive training experience for medical professionals.
During a demonstration, staff members participated in a virtual reality exercise designed to identify 22 potential errors in a simulated patient room. Jager emphasised the versatility of the virtual reality environment, explaining that it can be adapted to replicate various medical settings, making the training experience feel remarkably realistic.
Jager further described the investment in education and training as a significant advancement, streamlining the professional development process for medical staff at Corewell Health. Previously, many physicians had to travel out of state for specialised training, but this facility aims to centralise and expand those opportunities within Grand Rapids.
Future expansion plans for the facility include the development of both a surgical robotics lab and a telerobotics training space. Additionally, a da Vinci robotic system is expected to be incorporated soon, further enhancing the surgical training capabilities available at the centre.