In 2007, Dr. Ian Williams, a comic artist and physician, developed the term "graphic medicine" for his website, GraphicMedicine.Org, and used the term to describe the impactful role that comics can play in medicine and healthcare (Williams, n.d.).  He purposefully kept the term broad to include graphic memoirs of illness, educational comics for both students and patients, academic papers and books, gag strips about healthcare, graphic reportage and therapeutic workshops involving comic making, as well as many other practices and source material, both fictional and non-fictional (Williams, n.d.).

Why Read Graphic Medicine?

Graphic Medicine for Patients, Caregivers, and the Public

• reduces stigma around illness
• create safe space to express criticism of healthcare
• allows for health literacy and illustrated informed consent
• helps build community and a sense of connection

Graphic Medicine for Health Professionals

• fosters empathy for the patient and caregiver perspective
• create a safe space to express criticism of healthcare
• provides a means of effective patient outreach and communication
• allows health professionals space for reflection and determine meaning
• provides a way to relieve stress

What Makes Comics Unique?

Comics combine narrative with art, are approachable to a varied audience, provide emotional connection and impact and can express alternate viewpoints.

(Houk & Pomoutius, 2020)