TECH PAGE

Today, many doctors in training are making their first diagnoses — and their first mistakes — on plastic, wires and computer circuits rather than flesh and blood. These virtual patients come in different shapes and sizes.

Some are almost lifelike mannequins with plastic ears and hair. They can’t be hurt or killed, even though they have a pulse, a beating heart and lungs that breathe.

Be sure to read about simulated medical situations on the Technology Page in Sunday’s Business section.