Virtual Reality (VR) is revolutionizing surgical training by allowing surgeons to hone their skills in realistic simulations. The technology can also provide an engaging way for students to learn about a career in surgery by letting them explore a virtual operating room.

At the Philadelphia Science Festival Carnival (May 4), the Johnson & Johnson Institute invited students to put on VR goggles and experience what it feels like to be an orthopaedic surgeon. The “future surgeons” practiced repairing a hip fracture with injectable bone cement, a procedure typically done to treat patients with poor bone quality (e.g., osteoporosis.) As part of the learning experience, the students interacted with hand-held instruments and implants designed to simulate real-world scenarios.

One of the best ways to learn about a career is to watch someone actually doing that job,” said Colleen Connelly, Senior Manager Worldwide Professional Education, Trauma. “Our Virtual Reality demonstration goes a step beyond that by allowing students to experience what it’s like to be a surgeon performing a procedure.”

The Johnson & Johnson Institute provides VR training modules to allow surgeons, nurses and residents to train and refine their techniques in a fully immersive, safe learning environment. The program delivers valuable education and training –while eliminating travel costs and saving precious time with the goal of helping to improve patient outcomes.

Nicole Ward, R&D Senior Project Manager or DePuy Synthes and PA Regional Lead-WiSTEM2D, explains that it’s always important to seek new ways to collaborate with internal partners like the J&J Institute to promote science, technology, engineering and math to encourage students to pursue STEM careers. It’s all about sparking the interest and growth of these future leaders.

“The Johnson & Johnson Institute is committed to delivering innovative education and training that fosters lifelong learning for generations of health care professionals throughout every stage of their career,” said Tim Mauri, Director, Worldwide Professional Education, Technology & Innovation. “We were honored to take part in the Philadelphia Science Festival and help students understand the amazing contributions surgeons and nurses make to improving human health.”

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