Near-peer tutoring: an effective adjunct for virtual anatomy learning.

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Anatomy
• Virtual Learning

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a shift to virtual medical education, challenging traditional anatomy teaching methods.
• Existing anatomy curricula required adaptation to remote learning environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a virtual, student-led near-peer anatomy tutoring program.
• To evaluate the effectiveness and student satisfaction of this virtual initiative as an adjunct to medical anatomy curricula.

Main Methods:

• Creation of the Medical Students' Society Anatomy Club (MAC), a near-peer tutoring program.
• Delivery of virtual anatomy learning through interactive large and small group sessions.
• Utilization of cadaveric prosection images and models for instruction.

Main Results:

• The MAC initiative demonstrated high attendance rates among medical students.
• Student satisfaction with the virtual anatomy learning sessions was notably high.
• The program served as an effective supplement to traditional anatomy instruction.

Conclusions:

• Virtual near-peer teaching can be a successful component of medical anatomy education.
• The MAC model provides a viable solution for anatomy instruction in virtual settings.
• This pilot project highlights the adaptability and effectiveness of innovative educational approaches in medical training.