SHORT COMMUNICATION Near peer teaching in medical curricula: integrating student teachers in pathology tutorials

Introduction: Due to increased cognitive and social congruence with their tutees, near peer teachers (NPTs) may be capable of more effectively delivering course material. This study examines NPTs as pathology tutors alongside more traditional teachers (e.g., consultants and registrars) to explore their acceptability, effectiveness, and years of ‘distance ’ between tutors and tutees. Method: In total, 240 first- and second-year undergraduate medical students were taught set material in