A Total Game Changer: Teaching Health Science with Virtual Patients
Igniting curiosity and confidence in your students with Virtual Patients
On March 19, 2025, Body Interact – Virtual Patients hosted a live webinar featuring an inspiring teacher who’s redefining what health science education looks like – Paula Rendon from the Vanguard Academy. With 18 years of teaching experience under her belt, Paula shared how virtual patient simulations have not only transformed her classroom but also ignited a whole new level of curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking in her students.
Before stepping into education, Paula built her career in Clinical Laboratory Science. She spent years working in the field before discovering her true calling – teaching. Now, with master’s degrees in both Curriculum & Instruction and Educational Administration, she brings a rare blend of clinical expertise and educational insight to her students every day.
But despite being qualified for administrative leadership, Paula has always stayed true to her roots: “I’m just happy in the classroom,” she said with a smile. For her, it’s about the joy of connecting with students and seeing their minds light up with understanding.
Paula’s journey with Body Interact began at a HOSA State Conference. Her students got a chance to test out the simulation platform—and instantly fell in love.
“They played with it, and they were fascinated,” Paula recalled. “The visuals, the interactivity—everything about it caught their attention.”
Their enthusiasm was contagious. Paula reached out to the Body Interact team, got a quote, and quickly secured approval to bring the platform into her own classroom.
Real Learning in Action
In the beginning, there was a lot of exploration—learning the ropes and figuring things out. But Paula noticed something right away: her students were fully engaged with the Body Interact Virtual Patient Simulator.
“I started taking pictures and videos of them using it,” she said. “They were completely hooked.”
Even students who were initially nervous quickly got comfortable. “They use it once, and by the second time, they already get the hang of it. It’s that user-friendly—for both teachers and students.”
But it wasn’t just fun—it was powerful. Students were thinking like clinicians. They were evaluating symptoms, analyzing data, and making decisions—just like they would in real-life scenarios.
“Body Interact forces them to think critically, make decisions under pressure, and work together,” Paula explained. “It’s not just about memorizing facts—it’s about applying them.”
The balance between realism and safety is key
One of Paula’s favorite aspects of the Body Interact platform is how realistic and immersive it is. “The simulations feel real enough to create urgency, but they’re also a safe space for students to make mistakes and learn from them.”
That balance between realism and safety is key. And the flexibility of the platform means she can use it with students at different stages—whether they’re just getting started or already prepping for future careers in healthcare.
Virtual Patient Simulation is a game changer
When asked to sum up her experience, Paula didn’t miss a beat: “It has been a total game changer.”
Body Interact hasn’t just improved her teaching—it has elevated it. From day one, it’s helped students build clinical reasoning skills, confidence, and teamwork. And for an educator like Paula, who thrives on seeing her students grow, that’s what it’s all about.
— Watch Paula’s full testimonial —
Curious to try Body Interact yourself?
Whether you’re a teacher looking to boost engagement or a program director exploring innovative tools, Body Interact is built to meet your needs, with immersive visuals, realistic cases, and flexible implementation options.
Visit Body Interact’s website to explore features, watch testimonials, and learn how virtual simulations are transforming health science education.
Ready to bring Body Interact to your program? Request a personalized demo or schedule a meeting with our team today.
