Abstract
Introduction:
Near-peer teachers add many benefits to the academic, clinical performance, and enjoyment of near-peer learners in medical education. We describe and examine how the Creighton University School of Medicine Chief Program fills a gap in medical education by offering an organized and formal methodology for near-peer teaching. The Creighton University M4 Pediatrics Chief Program, launched in 2016, utilizes select 4th-year medical students (colloquially referred to as the “M4 Peds Chiefs”) to orient, teach basic clinical skills, mentor, and participate in curriculum development for the third-year pediatrics clerkship students.
Methods:
Third-year students (n = 43) in their pediatrics clerkship from September 2020 to February 2021 completed surveys at the end of the clerkship to assess the quality and effectiveness of the M4 Pediatrics Chief Program. Students rated effectiveness of the chiefs most highly as clerkship guides, teachers, and mentors.
Results:
Near-peer perspectives, education, provision of pertinent content, serving as a clerkship resource, and being a source of encouragement were the most beneficial aspects of the program. Students reported strong agreement all clerkships should have an M4 Chief Program.
Discussion:
Due to the positive reviews by the third-years students, the M4 Pediatrics Chief Program is a permanent part of the pediatrics clerkship. Additionally, other third-year clerkships at Creighton University School of Medicine have adopted this model. Finally, the M4 students acting as the chiefs gain valuable leadership and educational skills. Based on largely positive perceptions of the “M4 Chief Program”, the authors recommend other medical schools consider initiating similar programs within their third-year clerkships.