Medical simulation presents a viable alternative to traditional methods of medical instruction, such as cadavers and animal models. Simulation can provide safe, consistent, and repeatable learning opportunities. It accomplishes this without risk to patient safety. There is an increasing awareness of the value that simulation brings to learning. The Wide Area Virtual Environment (WAVE) is an 8,000 sq. ft. immersive virtual reality facility intended to support medical team instruction. It is the world’s largest immersive virtual environment. The WAVE represents a novel application of human-computer interaction. It forms the basis for a synergistic amalgamation of live, virtual, and constructive simulation for medical instruction. This paper describes the motivation behind the WAVE. We also describe the WAVE’s primary components, and how they are used during a learning scenario. Our experience with using the WAVE is also described.