Immertec Allows Clinicians to Communicate Virtually in Areas Hit Hard by COVID-19
Posted on March 13, 2020 by Dr. José Morey
As cases of COVID-19 (Coronavirus) continue to rise globally, many medical communities are suspending upcoming conferences, educational summits, and surgical training activities to ensure operatory suites are available and to keep cross contamination and infection rates down among healthcare workers.
Virtual reality cuts through the current situation and provides a viable solution to the resulting isolation and grounded travel plans. Individuals who have had to cancel their travel plans can still attend their scheduled events virtually. And better still, they can participate in a fully-immersive, 3-D environment.
As a medical technology company, Immertec provides clinicians with a safer alternative that allows for remote, real-time medical and surgical procedure training in virtual reality. Its MedOptic VR platform enables surgeons or medical professionals to continue their learning, remotely connecting from anywhere in the world.
The intuitive design and real-time connectivity make it easy for training surgeons and students to experience the training session just as they would if they were physically present in the OR. They are then able to observe the surgical or medical technique and ask questions in the moment.
Physicians agree. According to Dr. Ryan Hutchinson, Assistant Professor of Urology at UT Southwestern Medical Center,
“Immertec provides a critical bridge, facilitating the dissemination of the most important medical knowledge: information directly impacting patients outcomes. While traditional methods of training experience result in high overheads and administrative burdens, using Immertec provides instant immersive training without the need to transport personnel. And in a time where the global supply chain is ever more interconnected, this offers the unique advantage of high-fidelity information transmission without the risk of also transmitting infectious diseases.”
Hutchinson has more than 30 articles published in peer-reviewed publications, and serves as a reviewer for Urologic Oncology, Urology, Journal of Urology, and European Urology.
Immertec is working with several medical schools and teaching hospitals, allowing medical knowledge and data to be shared in collaborative environments. The team is committed to delivering pragmatic, immersive, and memorable solutions. Trainees are able to experience learning dynamically. It’s the closest thing you can get to “being there.”
About the Author
Dr. José M. Morey is a clinical radiologist who is passionate about harnessing technology, artificial intelligence and innovation to improve the human condition. Dr. Morey has served as Associate Chief Health Officer with IBM Watson Health, Chief Innovation Officer for Hyperloop Transportation Technologies, and the Medical Technology and Artificial Intelligence Advisor for NASA iTech. Dr. Morey holds academic professorships at the University of Virginia and Singularity University.
Dr. Morey is a nationally recognized voice in the innovation and technology sector. He is known for his expertise regarding the role of Artificial Intelligence and healthcare, and how this new technology will transform patient care. His work also extends beyond healthcare, remaining squarely focused on cutting edge research and its application to large scale endeavors on Earth and in space.
Dr. Morey has been a stalwart advocate of a strong STEM education program because of the profound impact it has on our society. This emphasis on education keeps our nation at the forefront of research and development and generates better conditions for society, as it serves as an engine for economic development and improved quality of life.