Integrating Virtual Reality into OSCE Training: A Novel Simulation Tool for Canadian Medical Education

As digital tools become integral to medical practice, physicians are challenged to develop their technological competencies to optimize patient care. Technology-focused educational tools, such as virtual reality (VR) simulations, can enhance medical training by improving clinical learning and increasing proficiency with digital systems. VR has been shown to be effective in anatomy education, but its application in clinical training remains underreported.This study introduces an interactive VR simulation prototype designed to train medical students for the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a core component of Canadian medical education. Developed using Unity Engine and tested on the Meta Quest 2, the prototype provides a virtual clinical experience with structured, AI-driven patient encounters and feedback to strengthen core clinical competencies.Participants in the initial evaluation of the VR simulation prototype identified several key strengths associated with its use in OSCE training. Specifically, users reported the simulation's effectiveness in enhancing patient interview skills across diverse demographic groups (e.g., pediatric and multicultural populations), presenting visible manifestations of disease (e.g., gait disturbances and dermatologic abnormalities), and facilitating the recognition of auscultatory signs (e.g., atypical speech patterns and cardiorespiratory findings) within a standardized and reproducible frameworkVR-based OSCE training strengthens clinical skills and increases familiarity with digital healthcare environments. By providing standardized, immersive experiences, it enhances medical education and prepares future physicians for both traditional and technology-enhanced patient care.Clinical Relevance-Effective clinical communication and diagnostic reasoning are vital for patient outcomes. This VR tool offers a safe, standardized training environment, equipping future physicians with essential skills for real-world patient care.