Can Digital Tools Effectively Teach Medical Students Clinical Skills?

Medical students often experience a decline in empathy as they progress through their training, an issue with real consequences for patient care. A new study from the University of Wisconsin explores an unexpected remedy: Zoom-based improvisational theatre. In the first randomized controlled trial of its kind, researchers found that short online improv sessions helped students improve perspective-taking, reduce emotional distress, and deeply reflect on patient relationships and power dynamics. As telemedicine becomes increasingly common, this approach to teaching empathy could offer a timely, effective, and engaging tool to help future doctors more meaningfully connect with their patients.