Doctors train in virtual reality simulations

Grader A: partial

Medical simulation was embraced by medical schools and residencies, and VR surgical simulators with haptics existed. But in 2009 their use was not routine or standardized; simulation remained un-standardized and much training used mannequins and box trainers, not haptic VR.

Test: Routine haptic-VR training among surgical trainees: measurable minority (simulators in use at teaching hospitals), not standardized; below 20% of training time.

• Medical simulation (Wikipedia) (2026-09-28): High-fidelity models since the 1990s; simulation used across medical school and residency but remained un-standardized.

Grader B: partial

Simulation training was established in medical education by 2009. Laparoscopic skills programs such as FLS used box trainers, and high-fidelity models had existed since the 1990s. VR surgical simulators with haptic feedback existed as commercial products and were used in some residency programs. They were not routine for doctors in general. Most simulation used physical trainers and mannequins, not haptic VR. No retrieved source gives an adoption share for VR haptic trainers.

Test: Test: 20% of doctors or training programs routinely use VR simulators with haptics. 2009: simulation training common, but mostly box trainers and mannequins. VR haptic simulator adoption: present in some programs, share unmeasured and below routine.

• Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS program) (accessed 2026-09): The standard laparoscopic skills curriculum is endorsed by the American Board of Surgery and uses a box trainer system, not VR.
• Medical simulation (Wikipedia) (accessed 2026-09): High-fidelity models appeared from the 1990s; simulation became affordable but remained unstandardized.