Dear Editor,

Technology-enhanced innovations in medical education continue to transform pedagogical approaches to engage students in active learning and leverage the challenges faced in traditional classrooms. Recently, an article by Moro et al. on introducing augmented reality to facilitate learning in pathology by virtual models seems to hold a good scope [1] Although the students have perceived physical models to be more useful than virtual models in their study, the conclusion drawn in the article that AR can act as a supplementary tool to facilitate learning needs to be encouraged. Thus, this letter seeks to highlight the benefits of using AR to study human models in medical education.

From cadaveric dissection to complex surgical procedures, medical education involves vast and diverse human models and encounters with patients to educate and train students from basic anatomy to curing complex diseases. Although the physical mode of learning is perceived to be the most efficient generally as students require hands-on training, challenges in obtaining the best quality specimens for different health conditions often stand as an obstacle to achieving the required comprehension. Also, in the physical mode of training, owing to time constraints, more students and limited practical sessions, clear comprehension, ability to appreciate minute differences, and retention of knowledge by repeated exposure become a challenge.

AR can overcome this challenge by providing easily accessible, high-quality models for varied health conditions with audio explanations to enhance student comprehension. Also, by using AR, it is possible to provide multiple models of the same condition to appreciate the anatomical or microscopic findings that differ with the severity of the disease. This might not be feasible with physical models. Adaptation to such sophisticated modes of learning can facilitate intricate and realistic visualization, improved spatial understanding, and interactive and meaningful learning by creating a personalized environment that is accessible throughout a medical professional's career.

However, educators and students should be made aware of the benefits and trained in using such technologies in blended methods to maximize learning efficiency. With appropriate technical assistance and strategic implementation, AR certainly holds immense scope to study diverse human models accurately and precisely in all phases of medical education.