Einbrain Lab is excited to announce that our research team will present at the 2026 Engage-Ed Conference, hosted by Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas.
Presentation Details Title: Harnessing AI for Communication Training in Medical Education: Pilot to Practice Authors: Zhao, Y., Nelson, K., Song, D., & Zarutskie, P. Event: 2026 Engage-Ed Conference Date: March 2026 Venue: Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas
At Einbrain Lab, we are advancing XR (VR/AR/MR) for Human-AI Collaboration by developing intelligent training systems that transform how future physicians learn critical soft skills.
Our latest project centers on an AI-powered virtual patient designed specifically for medical students to practice one of the most challenging aspects of clinical care: delivering bad news. Through natural language conversations, students interact with a realistic virtual patient in emotionally charged scenarios. The system provides a safe, controlled, and fully repeatable environment where learners can hone their empathy, clarity, timing, and emotional intelligence — skills that directly impact patient outcomes and satisfaction.
This work represents a meaningful step forward in AI-enhanced medical education, bridging the gap between classroom theory and real-world clinical practice. Early pilot results have been promising, demonstrating measurable improvements in student confidence and communication competence.
Looking ahead, our next journey will be the development of VR-based virtual patient systems. By moving into immersive virtual reality, we aim to create even more authentic and emotionally engaging training experiences. These VR platforms will allow medical students to practice in lifelike clinical settings, heightening presence and emotional realism. We are actively seeking additional funding and strategic partners to accelerate this important next phase of development.
We extend our deepest gratitude to our outstanding collaborators at Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. Their clinical expertise, pedagogical insight, and unwavering commitment to excellence in medical training have been instrumental in shaping this project from concept to conference presentation.
This collaboration exemplifies Einbrain Lab’s core mission: Engineering XR Solutions with AI for Advanced Technical Training and Innovation.
We look forward to sharing our findings, demonstration, and future vision at the 2026 Engage-Ed Conference. Stay tuned for updates, and feel free to reach out if you are interested in partnering with us on the next generation of AI + VR medical training systems.
Advancing XR (VR/AR/MR) for Human-AI Collaboration Einbrain Lab Engineering XR Solutions with AI for Advanced Technical Training and Innovation.