Rafael Grossmann, the first surgeon to use Google Glass during live surgery, says he thinks that the future has arrived indeed!

Almost all that we learned in medical school, is now potentially outdated or obsolete. The way we now teach medicine, prevent disease and care for patients has radically changed in many forms. We have been living the evolution of healthcare, the revolution, the change of the paradigm…

Last year, at the Games for Health Europe conference in the Netherlands (@gfheu14), I had the chance to try the Oculus Rift.

Source: YouTube

It was a very early prototype, I thought, but immediately realized its future in medicine, visualizing “Virtual Telemedicine” consultations, in front of a 3D- digital provider in a virtual reality (VR) office.

Imagine the potential of this use to extend the reach of over-sought, already in shortage, medical personnel. To be able to provide medical advice, immediately, remotely, no matter the physical location, as long as there’s connectivity. That’s the closest you can get to a physical interaction, when that form of interaction is not possible or necessary.

Then it came Google Glass.

As a very early Explorer, I performed the first operation ever documented with this device.

Simple and simply, intuitively improving connectivity and communication between surgeon and an audience, to proof the point that this new gadget was really one of many wearables in the horizon, representing “The Natural Evolution” of the computing platform. 

Source: YouTube

In a matter of months, quicker than we can dream or assimilate, we are once again presented with exponential advancements in technology. Exponentially smart ideas about how to use technology to improve the way we provide healthcare or teach medicine.

In the video below, you can appreciate how medical education could certainly be delivered in “the future”.

The video was published in September, 2013, telling us about technology leaps to happen around the year 2033.

Source: YouTube

Well, nice video, but TOO LATE. It is only 2014, and that technology is HERE NOW.

Check out RealView Imaging. “Interactive Live Holography, from Science Fiction to Science Fact.”

This is a reality now, and has the potential to revolutionize medical education and medical care. Providing interactive, virtually Real, 3D images of anything, allowing physicians to SEE better, to learn better, plan better, to deliver better care.

Source: YouTube

Recently, I spoke with the team behind the next generation of smart glasses. An amazing development, augmenting every aspect of what it is currently available.

Meet THEIA, Augmented Reality Glasses.

Source: YouTube

I can just see it now: the RealView platform, embedded in the Theia- AR glasses, providing us with the closest-to-reality-possible vision that anyone can have…other than the real thing.

For more expert insights from Dr. Grossmann, follow him on Twitter @ZGJR and through his blog: Rgrosssz.com 

The nuviun blog is intended to contribute to discussion and stimulate debate on important issues in global digital health. The views are solely those of the author.