A new program called MediSIM will soon be introduced for medical students, to learn about the human anatomy without causing inconvenience and pain to real patients.

In about a year, they will be able to use this augmented reality program that will enable them to see and feel the insides of an abdominal manikin, and learn about diseases and symptoms.

Users need to don a headset and examine the abdominal manikin, which has interchangeable organs. They can see and feel the physical symptoms of the virtual patient.

There is no substitute for real patients, but this can allow students to get some clinical experience, especially early on, without causing inconvenience to patients.

The program, which was developed with Carnegie Mellon University, piloted in Singapore this year. MediSIM is on show at the second National Conference on Technology-Enhanced Learning, hosted by National University of Singapore (NUS).