Equity Commons Facilitates American Medical Student Association Retreat

AMSA Student Leaders and Staff Retreat

We are excited to share a recap of the immersive Virtual Reality experience facilitated by Equity Commons CEO, Whitney A. White, and Chief Medical Officer, Aubrey J. Grant M.D. FACC, in collaboration with the American Medical Student Association (AMSA). This impactful session took place at the AMSA Student Leaders and Staff Retreat at William Black Lodge in Montreat, NC, on Thursday, August 29th.

Equity Commons Virtual Reality Session

During the session, participants embarked on a journey using Virtual Reality headsets to experience various scenarios from the perspective of the patient. This cutting-edge technology sparked curiosity and prompted introspection as participants experienced the world from different perspectives, providing a lens into a wider scope of patient experiences. The group also engaged in thorough discussions of empathy in healthcare and how to apply takeaways from the Equity Commons experience to their work both individually and at the organizational level. Student leaders and staff left this experience with a broader perspective on how to maximize empathy and contribute to better patient outcomes.

Importance of Virtual Reality Empathy Training for Future Healthcare Professionals

This type of immersive Virtual Reality training is profoundly important for future healthcare professionals. By directly experiencing scenarios through Virtual Reality, participants gain a deeper, more visceral understanding of patient experience, far beyond what traditional lectures can provide. This foundational understanding, coupled with practical strategies for applying takeaways, is crucial for cultivating a healthcare system that is truly empathetic, ultimately leading to better care for all and better patient outcomes.

Thank You to American Medical Student Association

We are tremendously grateful to AMSA for inviting Equity Commons and for prioritizing empathy in medicine in this way. It was an honor to contribute to such a vital retreat for student leaders and staff.