Thanks to the recent accessibility of high-quality, wireless VR headsets like the Meta Quest 3, the faculty saw an opportunity: to enhance—not replace—traditional methods with immersive, student-centered technology.
Launching Peru’s XR Anatomy Lab
In late 2024, the university launched its first dedicated XR anatomy classroom, outfitted with:
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50 Meta Quest 3 headsets
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3 anatomy tables
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A dedicated support team to manage large group sessions
The lab allows students to rotate between VR exploration and table-based learning in small groups. Each learner has a personal headset, giving them a front-row seat to the human body—something not always possible in crowded dissection sessions.
How It Works
XR sessions run on different days than cadaver labs, giving students time to focus entirely on spatial learning. The two main apps used are:
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Dissection XR – Offers a virtual experience similar to cadaveric dissection
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Dissection XR – Offers a virtual experience similar to cadaveric dissection
Students use the apps independently, rotating and examining organs and systems in 3D. What surprised the team most was how quickly students adapted. Many even took screenshots during their sessions to study later—a strong indicator of engagement and ownership in their learning.
Carlos Vasquez Roque is a biomedical engineer at the Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia in Lima, Peru. With a background in healthcare technology and educational innovation, he leads the implementation of extended reality (XR) tools for anatomy education and interdisciplinary learning within the university’s medical programs.
Carlos has played a key role in launching Peru’s first dedicated XR anatomy classroom, integrating immersive technologies such as Medicalholodeck to enhance student engagement, spatial understanding, and access to high-quality anatomical training. His work focuses on building structured, scalable learning experiences that complement traditional teaching methods while preparing students for the future of medicine.
Student Feedback and Early Impact
Post-session surveys revealed that:
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90% of students reported at least one clear learning benefit
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Over 50% rated the experience as highly beneficial
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Many requested more access beyond scheduled class time
Most students said Medicalholodeck helped them better understand spatial relationships and visualize complex internal structures. However, around 40% reported headset fatigue or discomfort, and several noted feeling lost without structured guidance.
Addressing Challenges Through Structure
To support deeper learning, the team is now developing:
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Guided modules using RecordXR for self-paced learning without constant instructor presence
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Companion materials for the anatomy tables
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Studio guides for open-lab hours so students can review content outside of class
The goal is to move beyond “exploration for exploration’s sake” and build a structured framework that helps students retain and apply anatomical knowledge.
Looking Ahead
For Carlos Vasquez Roque and the faculty in Lima, the focus isn’t just on having the newest technology—it’s on meaningful integration. VR is being used not as a replacement, but as an enhancement of traditional learning, giving students new ways to connect with content.
As their XR classroom evolves, the team remains committed to evaluating what works, addressing discomfort and navigation challenges, and giving students the freedom to explore anatomy on their own terms—with the right academic support behind them.
For more information, contact info@medicalholodeck.com March 2025
