Students as teachers

To the Editor: Silbert and colleagues highlight the benefits of peer-assisted learning (PAL).1 They allude to the number of overseas medical schools that provide tutor training programs, and to the possibility that Australian medical students are missing out on this opportunity. We agree that PAL is useful, but not all Australian medical students have been deprived. Since 2008, Monash University has been running VESPA (Vertical Study Program), an optional PAL program.2 Initiated by a group of medical undergraduate students, it continues to be largely student-driven, with faculty support. Further, our program has had international impact.3