Baptist Health Sciences University introduces new virtual technology

Baptist Health Sciences University recently purchased a new 3-D teaching tool for radiation therapy students.

The Virtual Environmental Radiotherapy Training creates a 3-D environment that mirrors a radiation therapy treatment room, allowing students to treat virtual patients. The technology was purchased through a grant from the Baptist Memorial Health Care Foundation.

VERT uses advanced rear projection and technology to produce life-sized graphics based on actual patient data and can reproduce various scenarios virtually for the students. VERT provides students with a safe learning environment where they can ask questions and take time to learn.

“VERT is going to change the way we teach radiation therapy,” said Julie Lasley, chair of the radiation therapy program at Baptist University.

“We are so proud to offer this unique teaching tool to our students,” said Dr. Betty Sue McGarvey, president of the Baptist University.

While VERT was developed for radiation therapy education, the technology can also be used in the biomedical sciences major and other imaging majors that use computed tomography, including medical radiography and nuclear medicine technology.

“Of course, nothing can replace the real world clinical experience and the many issues and illnesses real patients can present,” said Lasley, “But with VERT, we can better prepare our students by allowing them to get hands-on experience in a less intimidating environment.”

Along with M.D. Anderson’s School of Health Professions at the University of Texas, Baptist University is one of only 10 sites in the United States, and 80 worldwide, to have this new teaching technology.