CHICAGO (AP) — Rush University Medical Center in Chicago is adopting virtual reality technology to train its obstetrics and gynecology residents in surgical techniques.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that the technology will allow Rush to do away with practice operations on pigs. As a result, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals agreed to cover half of the $12,000 cost of the training module.

The system will allow the 24 residents to practice using a joystick or surgical tools while they see a virtual patient through a screen.

OB/GYN residency Director Dr. Xavier Pombar says “surgery is no different than learning how to play an instrument or a sport,” adding, “The more practice you have, the better you get.”

The system is scheduled to be in place in August.