Graphic Medicine and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Background: This poster examines how Graphic Medicine resources, titles, and workshops can expose individuals to diverse voices and lead to ongoing discussions related to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice within healthcare. Individuals can connect with this visual story-telling on an impactful emotional level. By featuring diverse titles, readers can begin to look at healthcare related stories from different perspectives. Providing access and programming related to Graphic Medicine addresses the goals of universities and hospitals to be more equitable and inclusive, leading to better interactions between clinicians and patients.

Description: This preliminary project was funded through the Network of the National Library of Medicine (NNLM) Pacific Southwest Region (PSR) BIPOC LIS Student Professional Development Award. The purpose of this award is to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within health science librarianship and the project associated with this award puts forth the argument that Graphic Medicine can be used in healthcare and health sciences education to help nurture culturally competent care and empathy. Work on this project began by investigating available Graphic Medicine titles within the existing collections, formulating a library research guide, and presenting the findings to the library staff. Upon completion of this, a collaborative workshop was developed and presented during the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Week at the university with the goal of highlighting how this unique medium explores DEI themes to encourage reflection and growth.

Conclusion: Highlighting Graphic Medicine collections, conducting outreach related to it, and collaborating with LIS professionals helps support, expand, and improve access to approachable and thought-provoking materials that support an institution’s long term goals for inclusive education and healthcare. Graphic Medicine outreach, initiatives, and workshops have the potential to spark conversations and reflection related to DEI and allow for dynamic collaborations between library staff, faculty, students, and other stakeholders. This preliminary project demonstrates how LIS professionals can contribute to ongoing initiatives to address issues related to equity and social justice.