INTEGRATING MIXED REALITY INTO MEDICAL INFORMATICS EDUCATION: ENHANCING IMMERSIVE LEARNING IN HEALTHCARE TRAINING

Abstract

Mixed Reality (MR) is rapidly emerging as a transformative tool in medical informatics education, offering immersive and interactive learning experiences that extend far beyond traditional teaching methods. This paper explores how MR technologies can be integrated into healthcare training to support the development of both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. By enabling students to visualize and manipulate three-dimensional models of complex anatomical structures, MR bridges the persistent gap between abstract concepts and real clinical practice. The study emphasizes the pedagogical value of MR, particularly its capacity to foster active engagement, critical thinking, and learner autonomy in simulated yet realistic environments. Moreover, we highlight how MR can help overcome common challenges in medical education, such as limited access to cadaveric material and the high costs of specialized equipment. Through examples of interactive exercises and medical simulations, our findings suggest that MR is not simply an enhancement of existing teaching approaches but a catalyst for a more dynamic, student-centered, and technologically aligned curriculum. Ultimately, this research underlines the potential of MR to reshape healthcare education by creating safer, more flexible, and highly engaging pathways for professional training.