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KU School Of Medicine-Wichita Teaches Empathy With Virtual Reality

By Brian Ellison,

Published May 25, 2021 at 3:33 PM CDT

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A person wearing a virtual reality headset. — Eventually, KU School of Medicine-Wichita will conduct studies to measure how much virtual reality “moves the empathy needle” among students.

Virtual reality headsets are allowing future doctors to 'walk a mile in their patient’s shoes.'

Through these immersive experiences, students can get a glimpse into what it’s like to have Alzheimer's, dementia or Parkinson's disease. Hear how this process is not only educational, but helps students build empathy with their patients.

Dr. Tiffany Schwasinger-Schmidt, assistant professor of Medicine at University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita

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Up To Date Talk Show medicine Wichita education Alzheimer's dementia KU Medical Center

Brian Ellison

As a host and contributor at KCUR, I seek to create a more informed citizenry and richer community. I want to enlighten and inspire our audience by delivering the information they need with accuracy and urgency, clarifying what’s complicated and teasing out the complexities of what seems simple. I work to craft conversations that reveal realities in our midst and model civil discourse in a divided world. Follow me on Twitter @ptsbrian or email me at brian@kcur.org.

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Mackenzie Martin

Mackenzie Martin is a senior podcast producer at KCUR Studios and host of the podcast, A People's History of Kansas City. Contact her at mackenzie@kcur.org.

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Zach Wilson

As Up To Date’s senior producer, I construct daily conversations that give our listeners context to the issues of our time. I strive to provide a platform that holds those in power accountable, while also spotlighting the voices of Kansas City’s creatives and visionaries that may otherwise go unheard. Email me at zach@kcur.org.

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