Metaverse enabled virtual reality and simulation training for medical education review

The integration of metaverse technologies into medical education has attracted increasing attention in recent years. This study conducts a scoping review following PRISMA-ScR guidelines to examine the applications, benefits, and challenges of metaverse-enabled virtual reality and simulation training in medical education. A systematic search was performed across Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed databases for studies published between 2020 and 2025. The review synthesizes existing evidence regarding immersive learning environments, simulated patient training, collaborative learning, and cross-geographical education. Additionally, technical, ethical, and social challenges associated with metaverse adoption in medical education are discussed. The findings highlight the potential of metaverse technologies to enhance experiential learning, clinical skill development, and global collaboration in medical training while identifying key directions for future research.