Graphic Medicine Led by Health Professionals Shines in Spain
Puertollano (Ciudad Real), March 24 (EFE).- Graphic medicine, a field led by health professionals such as pediatrician Alejandro Martínez from Puertollano, is gaining recognition for its ability to humanize illness and promote empathy through the power of comics.
Martínez, recently appointed vice president of the Society of Graphic Medicine, believes that this method is a valuable teaching tool for both health professionals and patients. The movement of graphic medicine originated in 2007, under the leadership of English doctor Ian Williams, who saw the potential in connecting comics with health issues, leading to the creation of the international group Graphic Medicine.
In 2016, Spanish doctor Mónica Lanlanda initiated contacts with health professionals interested in illustration and comics, resulting in the formation of a multidisciplinary group that includes doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. This group, which Martínez is a part of, shares a passion for comics and the use of images in the health field. They review comics focused on health issues, analyze them from a health perspective, and emphasize their relevance for patients and caregivers.
The term “graphic medicine” refers to the use of comics, graphic novels, and infographics as health communication tools for professionals and patients. Martínez believes that comic books have the ability to provide unique perspectives on living with illness, increasing empathy and observation skills among professionals, as well as facilitating health dissemination for patients.
Despite initial skepticism about the seriousness of comics, renowned medical publications such as The Lancet and the British Medical Journal have acknowledged their usefulness and have even incorporated articles in comic format. In Spain, the Society of Graphic Medicine organized the first Spanish congress dedicated to this discipline in 2018, highlighting the importance of new communication tools in healthcare.
The Society recently transitioned from a cultural association to a scientific society, reflecting the growing recognition of graphic medicine. The International University of Andalusia offers a master’s degree in graphic medicine, the only one of its kind in Spain, aimed at training health professionals, sociologists, journalists, and graphic designers in the use of comics and illustrations for health communication.
The third edition of the master’s degree provides students with the opportunity to explore the potential of graphic medicine in various professional fields, representing a significant advancement in the training and recognition of this discipline in Spain. EFE
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