Comparison of Practical Skills Teaching by Near-Peers and Faculty

Skills teaching by near-peers and faculty differed in teaching climate and orientation. Near-peers saw students as learners, focused on the learning climate and on students' needs. Faculty saw students as future physicians and facilitated the transition from curricular learning to clinical practice. Curricular design should capitalize on the complementary benefits of near-peer and faculty skills instructors and seek to get the best of both worlds.