Botox Injection Simulator | Implementing 3D Simulation Modules in the Education of Dermatology Residents

Overview

The project will study the effectiveness of integrating 3D simulation modules into resident student practice as an accessory to clinic practice. The use of 3D graphics, videos and interactivity are readily being incorporated into medical education because of the unlimited possibilities for innovations and advances in technology. In many aspects of medical training, 3D simulations lead to improved medical knowledge, increased confidence in procedures, and enhanced performance on retesting the resident/medical student in the field. (Lee 2013)

Rapidly evolving and improving, the purpose of simulators currently bring the sensation of real life clinical scenarios to students without the risk of harming patients. Simulators are not restricted to clinical settings, preferably this projects aims to be used at any time outside of the clinic and class. The use of this project will not replace real clinical practice, but is intended to enhance the student’s ability to realistically and safely practice medicine.

The Process

Cinema 4D Rigged Model

The production process began with heavy research using the materials Dr. Turrentine at Augusta University advised and other helpful resources. The decision was made to use my own facial features for the pilot model. Using 3D scans from the Augusta University Orthodontic Clinic, high resolution images were obtained and imported into Cinema 4D for further modification.Both Cinema 4D and Z Brush were used for the general modeling, rigging, animating and UV mapping of the model.

After multiple revisions, the refined model was imported into Unity. The general interface, consisting of five separate scenes were created in Unity in addition to the interactive assets, buttons and scripts. In order to make the interface seamless, C Sharp and TouchScript scripts were implemented. After completing the interface, the program was then built on both iOS and Windows platforms.

The production process overall was quite complex. The intricacies of combining multiple UV maps led to a longer process of refining. There was difficulty in building the scripts, but with the help of the programmer, scripting became easy to learn.

Picture left: The model is seen in Unity platform space. Screen shots are seen from the interactive screen. User is placing injection targets on the patients face.

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