Near-peer teaching in human anatomy at the University of Hong Kong

Abstract

<p>Near-peer teaching is a form of teaching in which more experienced students act as instructors to supervise junior students’ activities in laboratory settings and pass on their knowledge and experience. In Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine at the University of Hong Kong, the near-peer anatomy teacher (N-PAT) programme was designed for senior medical students to teach anatomy to first- and second-year medical students, particularly during dissection sessions. The N-PAT program has provided an effective environment for N-PATs to develop deeper learning in anatomy through training and teaching. Meanwhile, N-PATs are being equipped with teaching skills that will be required as they move towards supervisory and teaching roles in their future careers. They are seen as a positive and approachable element in anatomy learning by junior medical students. Since 2021, N-PATs have been involved in nearly 100 dissection sessions. Hundreds of medical students have benefited from this programme. Many have joined the N-PAT team in later years and fed back into the program. The N-PAT program has provided our faculty with an additional valuable resource in anatomy teaching.</p>