SimX, a virtual reality medical simulation platform, has been awarded a $1.25 million Phase II Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant from AFWERX. This funding will support the development of adaptations to SimX's Virtual Reality Medical Simulation System (VRMSS) to enhance perioperative expeditionary medical support training for surgical teams within the Department of the Air Force (DAF).
The collaboration aims to address critical challenges in providing medical support in remote and resource-constrained environments. The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX are streamlining the SBIR/STTR process to accelerate innovation by small businesses.
Collaboration with USF Health CAMLS
SimX is partnering with simulation training experts at the USF Health Center for Advanced Medical Learning and Simulation (CAMLS) at the University of South Florida. The collaboration seeks to remove traditional barriers to specialized medical training by delivering immersive VR experiences combined with personalized instruction and expert mentorship.
"Our team is well poised to support this project," said Alan Todd, DNP, CRNA, CHSE, FAANA, associate professor at USF Health Morsani College of Medicine and principal investigator for the SimX project. "Tapping into this immersive technology, which has proven to be very effective in providing specialized medical training, will allow our team to train and support health care professionals participating simultaneously from anywhere, whether on base or in the field."
Impact and Accessibility
The VR-based training aims to make specialized medical education more accessible and effective for professionals in remote areas, including military personnel deployed globally. By integrating modern VR technology with established teaching methods, the program seeks to elevate the standard of healthcare training.
SimX's VRMSS is utilized by numerous top institutions, including Mayo Clinic, Stanford, NYU, and the University of Pennsylvania, as well as the US Air Force. The platform offers a comprehensive library of VR-simulated patient encounters designed by clinicians for training doctors, nurses, EMS personnel, and military healthcare providers.
