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Peer-to-Peer Medical Student Teaching in Radiology
Priyanka K Prasad1, Richard B Gunderman1
1Department of Radiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, 702 North Barnhill Drive, Room 1053, Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, USA.
Senior medical students can effectively serve as educators for junior students, enhancing radiology department teaching missions when attending physicians and residents are occupied. This peer-to-peer learning model supports medical education and clinical training.
Area of Science:
- Medical Education
- Radiology Training
- Peer-to-Peer Learning
Background:
- Medical students are traditionally viewed solely as learners.
- However, many possess the potential to excel as educators.
- Senior students can fill educational gaps during clinical rotations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of senior medical students as educators.
- To assess their contribution to a radiology department's teaching mission.
- To highlight the benefits of peer-to-peer teaching in medical training.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of student interactions during radiology rotations.
- Qualitative assessment of teaching effectiveness by senior students.
- Evaluation of the impact on junior student learning outcomes.
Main Results:
- Senior medical students demonstrated significant aptitude as educators.
- They provided valuable teaching support, particularly when faculty were busy.
- This peer-led instruction positively contributed to the department's educational goals.
Conclusions:
- Medical students can effectively function as educators.
- Senior students play a crucial role in advancing radiology department teaching missions.
- Peer teaching enhances the overall learning environment for medical trainees.
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