Rosalind Franklin University Launches 23,000-Sq-Ft Virtual Health System for Interprofessional Training
Event summary
- Rosalind Franklin University opened a 23,000-square-foot Virtual Health System (VHS) on September 18, 2026.
- The facility features simulated hospital environments including an emergency room, ICU, operating room, and labor and delivery suite.
- VHS integrates AI, immersive technologies, and advanced 3D printing, along with an Empathy Lab for soft skills training.
- The system supports 1,500 students annually, with over 47,000 simulation hours completed in the prior year.
The big picture
Rosalind Franklin University's Virtual Health System represents a strategic shift toward technology-driven, team-based medical education. As healthcare delivery becomes more complex, institutions are investing in simulation labs to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world practice. The VHS positions RFU as a leader in this evolving educational landscape, potentially setting a new standard for medical training facilities.
What we're watching
- Adoption Pace
- How quickly other institutions will replicate this model of immersive, interprofessional training.
- Outcome Impact
- Whether the VHS will demonstrably improve patient outcomes and healthcare team performance.
- Funding Sustainability
- The long-term financial viability of such high-tech training facilities given their capital-intensive nature.