with the patient "virtually" through images generated by cat scans, magnetic resonance imagery, and ultrasound (Hodges 17). This technology allows the doctor to plan the best possible way to execute the medical procedure for the patient. Using virtual reality, the doctor can practice the procedures until he or she is confident enough to actually perform the procedure (18). Due to this feature, the software is making its way into medical schools to train soon-to-be-doctors. Immersive Workbench is a stand-alone software where an instructor is not required to be present in the training and simulations (19). Virtual reality allows doctors to have hands-on experience without actually performing the medical procedures. This cuts down on expenses and reduces the time of training. The doctor also gains from virtual reality practice through lowering the stress levels and reducing tense situations because the doctor can have all the practice he or she requires without a life-threatening situation.Like all good things in life, there is, however, a hefty price tag that society must pay for this technology. With virtual reality taking over as "teachers" in the medical schools, instructors and seasoned doctors become obsolete. This "lack of instructor-to-student contact is detrimental to our society" (Grantham and Vaske 82). However, by practicing through simulations alone, the doctor does not learn the essential social skills, for example bedside manners, required in the medical field. Along with social skills, doctors miss out on hearing advice and experiences from seasoned doctors because "conversations between humans go beyond the task of giving and receiving information; they also involve socials goals of making an impression and influencing others" (Grantham and Vaske 84). If there is a human being teaching the course instead of virtual reality on its own, the doctors and professors would be able to learn from each other's input. Also, virtual ...
