Virtual Near-Peer Clinical Teaching

With the COVID-19 pandemic limiting patient contact and clinical opportunities for medical students, this innovative approach adapts Aquifer interactive cases into small group learning for preclinical students led by their senior, clinically trained student peers. In conjunction with preclinical curricula, Aquifer cases are selected and a teaching guide is constructed based on the outline of the case with appropriate learning objectives. Small groups (4-6) are conducted over video conference by the senior student. Each section includes opportunities for questioning, active learning, clinical reasoning through vocal and written (e.g. chat room) communication, followed ultimately production of a SOAP note. Additional opportunities to be explored include peer-led small groups on morning report-style cases, chalk talks, and standardized patient encounters.