What are you researching?

We created a 3D virtual reality video that represented a patient encounter and then studied whether this video or a traditional lecture on empathy would enhance empathy in medical students

How could the results benefit patients?

Traditionally, empathy in medical students decreases throughout their careers in medicine. If we can create innovative ways to teach and enhance empathy levels, it could benefit both the patients and providers as increased empathy creates better experiences for everyone

Tell us why you enjoy research.

I think it's a great opportunity for me to push myself out of my comfort zone. I had never done any research before medical school, so these experiences were entirely new for me. After a few projects, I now feel much more comfortable and have a new skill set. I also think it can be really interesting to take a project from start to finish and see if your results are what you expected.

What advice would you give to other students considering doing a research project?

Even if you don't have a lot of experience, work on finding a good mentor who can help you through the process. You will learn a lot really quickly and find that you are more capable than you know! I would also suggest finding projects that are interesting to you if you can because this will make the process much more rewarding