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MedEd DeepDive: Where Innovation Meets Education
Whether you're a student navigating the complexities of medical school, an educator striving to improve learning outcomes, a researcher pushing the boundaries of knowledge, or a policymaker shaping the future of medical education—this podcast is for you.
In Season 1 of MedEd DeepDive, we explore the cutting-edge innovations transforming how we teach and learn. From the use of AI and chatbots to combat vaccine misinformation to the game-changing potential of virtual simulations and the metaverse in medical training, our episodes dive into the latest research and real-world applications. We'll also discuss innovative tools like serious games, escape rooms, and virtual patients that make learning more immersive and effective.
Join us as we examine the technological advancements and essential human elements of healthcare education, highlighting how strategies like interprofessional education, team-based learning, and even traditional methods like moulage can create a more holistic and impactful approach.
Subscribe now to stay ahead of the curve and participate in the conversation shaping the future of healthcare education.
Okay. Ready for a deep dive? We're talking metaverse today. But, and this is wild, it might involve, like, a virtual vaccine.
Zaynab:A virtual vaccine,
Yassin:Yeah. Have you ever have you ever thought about the metaverse and, like, increasing vaccine confidence?
Zaynab:It does sound pretty futuristic, but there's this research paper. It's called, Toward a Meta Vaccine Future, and and it makes a pretty strong argument.
Yassin:I know. It really surprised me. I, like, I get that the metaverse is for more than just, like, you know, gaming now. But this whole, like, meta vaccine future thing
Zaynab:Yeah.
Yassin:That's a whole other level.
Zaynab:Right. It's a really interesting, intersection of 2 big things that are, you know, happening right now. We've got, you know, metaverse is blowing up, and then we have this very real problem with, you know, vaccine hesitancy.
Yassin:Yeah.
Zaynab:And they really go for it, these researchers, Nawaz, at all. They don't, like, beat around the bush about the problem of vaccine hesitancy. You know? They even break it down into, like, different levels. So it's not just like a yes or no kind of thing.
Yassin:Right. Right.
Zaynab:It's more nuanced than that.
Yassin:Yeah. For sure.
Zaynab:And that's where the metaverse gets really interesting. What they're saying is that the metaverse can kind of address these different, you know, levels of hesitancy, and and it can do that by using these, like, very personal experiences, which is something that traditional methods, you know, don't always do very well.
Yassin:That's a really good point, actually. Yeah. Because it's like, what can a pamphlet really do? You know what I mean?
Zaynab:Exactly. Yeah.
Yassin:But imagine okay. Imagine, like, someone who's, you know, maybe a little hesitant about vaccines and they can actually experience, but, like, virtually, what could happen, you know, like, the consequences.
Zaynab:Yeah. Yeah. For sure.
Yassin:Both both good and bad.
Zaynab:Yeah.
Yassin:And the researchers actually call this, digital twins, which I don't know. It sounds like something out of, like, you know, sci fi.
Zaynab:It does. It does. But if you think about it, it's kinda like a flight simulator.
Yassin:Okay. Yeah. Yeah.
Zaynab:But for your health. And you could use this this digital twin to make these, like, choose your own adventure things, you know, that really show you, like, hey. Vaccines are important.
Yassin:Yeah. Yeah.
Zaynab:And it just makes sense. You know? It's like we always say, seeing is believing. Alright.
Yassin:Yeah. Like, I could read about vaccines all day, but if I could actually see it, you know, like, in the metaverse Mhmm. Where I'm actually there, that would be way more powerful, way more convincing. And I bet, like, especially for younger people, you know, they're already in the metaverse.
Zaynab:Right. The researchers actually point that out, that this could be really huge for young people.
Yassin:Well, yeah. Because it's, like, it's normal for them. Right? Like, they're already there anyway, spending time with their friends and all that, learning. So why not, like, meet them in the metaverse with this information?
Zaynab:Exactly. That's the idea. And and the thing is, it's not like a lecture. Right? They're already used to, like, avatars and all that.
Zaynab:So it's not like, ugh, another boring PSA. It's just part of their world.
Yassin:Yeah. Yeah. It's like, you know, you're you're hanging out with your friends in the metaverse. And, oh, by the way, you're you're learning about vaccines.
Zaynab:Exactly.
Yassin:But but, really, I think this could help people, you know, feel better about vaccines, like, more trusting.
Zaynab:Absolutely.
Yassin:Because it's not just, here's the information, kid.
Zaynab:Yeah. You
Yassin:know? It's more like it's a conversation.
Zaynab:Right. And the paper talks about, like, you could have virtual support groups
Yassin:Oh, wow.
Zaynab:Where people can talk to each other or even, like, simulations of how they make vaccines.
Yassin:Oh, that's cool.
Zaynab:So you can really see all the work that goes into them and and how safe they are.
Yassin:Right. That's huge.
Zaynab:Yeah. It
Yassin:almost makes you forget about all the, like, well, you know, what about the other side of it?
Zaynab:You mean, like, are there any downsides?
Yassin:Yeah. It can't all be perfect. Right. Like, what are the challenges? We can't have a deep dive without talking about the challenges.
Yassin:And the researchers do talk about this. Like, not everyone has access to the metaverse yet. Right. So that's a big one.
Zaynab:Yeah. They talk about how important it is that everyone has access to this technology because, otherwise, it's just gonna be another thing that leaves people out.
Yassin:Exactly. Exactly. But, also, like, what about misinformation? It seems like every time we get a cool new technology, misinformation is right there with it.
Zaynab:That's definitely a concern, but they had some ideas about how to stop that.
Yassin:Okay.
Zaynab:Like, maybe, like, working with the, you know, social media companies
Yassin:Okay.
Zaynab:To set rules for what kind of health information is allowed. And they also talk about, like, checking to make sure the people giving you information are, you know, real doctors and stuff.
Yassin:Okay. That's good. That's good. So, like, some kind of quality control for the metaverse.
Zaynab:Yeah. Exactly. But it's not just about the information. Right? There's there are things about the technology itself that can be a problem.
Yassin:Oh, right. Like getting sick.
Zaynab:Exactly. Yeah. They talk about, you know, headaches.
Yassin:Yeah. I've heard about that.
Zaynab:Dizziness, eye strain, all from using the headsets too long.
Yassin:Yeah. Not a good look for vaccines.
Zaynab:Right. And and what about long term effects? You know, we don't really know yet, especially for young people. So that's something to think about.
Yassin:So it's like, we're about to do something huge with this whole meta vaccine thing Yeah. But but we had to be careful too.
Zaynab:Yeah. For sure.
Yassin:There's still a lot to figure out.
Zaynab:It's like any new technology. Right. It has so much potential, but we have to be smart about it.
Yassin:Totally. Totally.
Zaynab:We don't wanna just jump in without thinking Exactly. What's happening, like, consequences.
Yassin:Yeah. And and, you know, even if, like, even if this whole meta vaccine future is, like, way in the future Yeah. This paper still made me think differently about public health.
Zaynab:Oh, absolutely. It's so innovative Yeah. The way they're thinking about using technology Yeah. To solve these really complex problems.
Yassin:It's not just about the technology either. Right?
Zaynab:Exactly.
Yassin:It's how we use it.
Zaynab:Yes. It's about connecting with people.
Yassin:Yes.
Zaynab:Building trust.
Yassin:Yes. Making sure people feel good about the choices they're making.
Zaynab:That's it. Informed decisions.
Yassin:Yes.
Zaynab:And that takes everyone working together. Right. It's not just on scientists or tech people.
Yassin:Yeah.
Zaynab:It's policymakers, health care workers.
Yassin:We are educators.
Zaynab:The public. Everyone.
Yassin:We're all in this together. Right?
Zaynab:We are.
Yassin:But wow. Like, when you think about what the metaverse could do for for public health.
Zaynab:I know. It's pretty amazing.
Yassin:It just blows my mind.
Zaynab:This research was about vaccines, but Yeah. Think about all the other things we could do.
Yassin:Oh my gosh. Yeah. Like, what give me an example.
Zaynab:What about healthy habits? Could we use the metaverse to help people
Yassin:Oh, well
Zaynab:eat better, exercise more? Yeah. What about mental health support?
Yassin:Oh, yeah. That's huge.
Zaynab:We could reach people in a whole new way. Right. Right. Provide support, resources.
Yassin:And and what about, like, training doctors and nurses?
Zaynab:Exactly. Virtual simulations.
Yassin:Wow.
Zaynab:Hands on experience.
Yassin:That's the real meta vaccine maybe.
Zaynab:Maybe it is. The innovation, the collaboration.
Yassin:Yeah. It's about thinking differently. A design. Finding new solutions.
Zaynab:And working together to make them happen.
Yassin:Well said.
Zaynab:It's been great talking about this with you.
Yassin:Yeah. This was a really cool one.
Zaynab:I'm really excited to see where this all goes.
Yassin:Me too. And to all our listeners, we hope you enjoyed this deep dive into the metaverse and vaccines and, like, the future of public health. Keep those metaverse questions coming. We'll be back soon with another deep dive.