The advancements in virtual reality continue to transform many industries — especially the medical industry. VR is changing the patient experience and making it easier for doctors to perform needle procedures with less pain and anxiety. To get an inside look at VR and its influence on the industry, Innovation & Tech Today spoke with Evelyn Chan, a Rhodes Scholar, pediatrician, and CEO of Smileyscope. She conducted the world’s largest medical VR study and found a way to reduce needle procedure pain by 60% and anxiety by 40% through the use of medical virtual reality devices. Thus far, she has partnered with over 40 U.S. hospitals to implement the technology.

Innovation & Tech Today: Can you share the story of what inspired you to combine your background in pediatrics with virtual reality technology to address pain and anxiety during needle procedures?

Evelyn Chan: I became a pediatrician to make a positive difference in children’s lives. Having poked thousands of needles into children, I can tell you that the practice of medicine is often traumatic for children, families, and healthcare providers alike. In pediatric residency we were taught to “listen through the cries” — but it doesn’t have to be that way.