Linking Theory to Practice: Enhancing Virtual Reality Educational Interventions by Integrating Experiential Learning Theory

As medical educators adopt technological advances such as virtual reality (VR), it is vital that they ground their practices in adult learning theory. Therefore, this commentary highlights how Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) can help educators in undergraduate medical education (UME) effectively leverage VR to develop more engaging, adaptive, and impactful learning experiences. Integrating VR educational interventions, guided by ELT principles, enhances learning by aligning immersive technology with how people learn best. We hope that this article encourages experimentation and provides the foundation for the creation of a theory-based innovative curriculum that supports the development of competent and confident healthcare professionals.