About Howard
Howard Rose is a leading pioneer in the field of Virtual Reality (VR) for healthcare, known for using immersive 3D technology to improve health, learning, and productivity. He first began exploring the potential of this technology as a researcher at the Human Interface Technology Lab at the University of Washington. For over two decades, Howard has championed the idea that VR can unlock the mind’s natural ability to heal. He is the co-founder of Firsthand Technology, a company specializing in real-time, interactive 3D experiences. Their groundbreaking health games have tackled serious challenges, including providing therapeutic distraction for pain management (like the famous SnowWorld application for burn patients) and exposure therapy for mental health issues such as PTSD and phobias. Howard was also the lead designer for “Attack of the S. Mutans!”, a large-scale project aimed at using 3D gaming to encourage children to take better care of their dental health. More recently, Howard has expanded his focus as the Head of Health and Wellness at Spatial, a company that creates immersive audio environments. In this role, he develops tools to humanize clinical spaces and reduce patient stress, seeing VR as a form of “digital immunotherapy” that strengthens the body’s natural healing powers without relying on drugs. A frequent speaker at international conferences, Howard continues to share his vision for how VR can transform healthcare delivery.
