Computerized learning systems for medical students? Are X-Box surgical simulation games the next step?

Back in the day.... as consumers we knew which hospitals were teaching hospitals and which ones were not. The stigma associated with being a patient of a student practicing to be a doctor, brought doubt into the minds of many. Even thought the students were supervised by the attending staff, I myself did not like being part of the learning cycle. Could there be another learning tool for students to use instead of human guinea pigs?
The infiltration of computers into daily tasks has blended people and processes together to provide information and infrastructure to our homes, education, corporate and leisure worlds. We are guided by computers from the minute we open our eyes to when we close our eyes. Computers are an integral part of our life no matter where we are located. Instead of reaching for a pencil, we reach for an electronic device.
Medical schools have revamped curriculums to allow computer integration with courses. The introduction of computerized training programs began as early as 2000. Around the same time, hospital trends revealed a decrease in the hospitalization intervals and an increase in medical student’s numbers. The combined result exemplifies the reduction of available instructional time and decline of on-hand hospitalized patients.
For instance, surgeons are required to take in-depth health histories of patients, which aids in diagnosing. A group called United Kingdom Medical Research Group created Simulated Patients (SP) modules on health history protocols for third year medical students. The module focused on two parts. First the program created a checklist layout on how to systemically take a health history and to make a diagnosis. Secondly, the program helped students learn how to effectively conduct a consultation. The program was developed into scenario based SP tutorials. Positive feedback from medical students indicated the SR program was well received. As a matter of fact, many of the students noted the SP tutorials encourage active discussions between themselves and instructors. In addition, since the SP is automated, students could repeat modules to gain confidence in the subject material.
Now back to the X-Box comment. Can med students train on computers to develop operating room techniques and practice what if scenarios? Student airline pilots practice many hours on simulated games to learn how to handle a large expense aircrafts. I know for sure that the Navy Seals are trained with simulated programs and play X-Box Navy Seals games off duty. So…I do not think it is a far stretch to image medical students practicing surgical procedures on SP applications. Who knows maybe Microsoft would develop a Surgical Duty game for the practicing students.