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Robotic butt helps medical students prepare for tender situations

Meet Patrick, a “patient” made up of part computer screen and part rubber butt. Patrick is a joint venture helping medical students at schools like Florida, Drexel, and Wisconsin ease their discomfort in giving a real patient a rectal exam.

"Our goal is to get students more comfortable with these mortifying scenarios," Dr. Benjamin Lok told Medical Daily.

“There aren’t enough opportunities for students to practice, which causes them a lot of anxiety.”

Hey, what about the angst felt by the examinee?

Patrick comes fully loaded with sensors and the ability to provide immediate feedback during the mock procedure. Students even have to convince Patrick he needs the exam.

"This virtual human patient can talk to the learner, expresses fears and concerns about the prostate exam," Lok confirmed to Geekosystem.

The research is supported by the National Science Foundation.

More here.

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