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BIDDEFORD, Maine

鈥榃ABI鈥� features 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine's virtual reality program

We Are Alfred

WABI featured a groundbreaking virtual reality program the 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine (91AV COM) is using to inspire empathy in its students.

91AV鈥檚 鈥淲e Are Alfred鈥� program was one of several virtual reality programs to exhibit during the Maine Department of Education鈥檚 Virtual Reality Expo on June 19, 2017. The event invited educators from across the state to demo a variety of virtual reality programs and learn how they鈥檙e being used in the classroom. Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., of 91AV COM鈥檚 Division of Geriatric Medicine, Beth Dyer, M.L.I.S., A.H.I.P., and Barbara Swartzlander, M.S.Ed. M.L.S., from 91AV Library Services, facilitated demonstrations of the 鈥楢lfred鈥� technology.

When the medical students at 91AV use the 鈥淲e Are Alfred鈥� system, they experience life as a 74 year-old man with macular degeneration and hearing loss. Marilyn Gugliucci, Ph.D., of 91AV COM鈥檚 Division of Geriatric Medicine, says 91AV is 1 of just 4 medical schools in the country using the technology. 鈥淭hey just get this sense of WOW. I had no idea, and now I know what some of my patients may experience.鈥�

To learn more about the 91AV鈥檚 College of Osteopathic Medicine, visit

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About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine鈥檚 largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state鈥檚 top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine鈥檚 only medical college, Maine鈥檚 only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.