Graphic Medicine
Information on the use of the comics medium to explore issues in healthcare.
Bioethics
Books in the Health Sciences Library
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Clinical Ethics: A Graphic Medicine Casebook
Excellent for classroom use. A collection of original comics engaging fundamental issues in medical ethics, including patient autonomy, informed consent, unconscious bias, mandated reporting of suspected abuse, confidentiality, medical mistakes, surrogate decision-making, and futility.
Each case concludes with a discussion, reflection questions, and further resources -
Not Funny Ha-Ha
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A story of two young women who go through two different abortions (medical and surgical). It follows them through the process of choosing a clinic, reaching out to friends, partners, and family, and eventually the procedure itself. The graphic novel format helps demystify what can be a very intimidating and lonely experience. -
Silver Wire
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Considers the history of medical experimentation on unwilling subjects, with particular emphasis on “founding father of gynecology” J. Marion Sims’ abuse of enslaved Black women, and the ramifications of benefiting from this cruel approach to medicine.
Webcomics
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African-Americans Are More Likely to Distrust the Medical System. Blame the Tuskegee Experiment, by Whit Taylor and Chris KindredDiscusses the Tuskegee Syphilis Experiment of the mid-1900's, Medical Ethics, and Distrust of the Healthcare System
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Black Mothers Face Far Worse Health Outcomes. How Do We Fix It? by Whit TaylorDiscusses the high maternal mortality rate of Black mothers and how we can begin to address it.
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Silver WireConsiders the history of medical experimentation on unwilling subjects, with particular emphasis on “founding father of gynecology” J. Marion Sims’ abuse of enslaved Black women, and the ramifications of benefiting from this cruel approach to medicine.
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Unscientific MethodThe sloppy and, based on our current sentiments, unethical methods that led to the discovery of lithium as a method for treating symptoms of bipolar disorder.
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Shattering AssumptionsEmphasizes the importance of understanding each individual patient’s beliefs and using them to facilitate shared decision-making
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An Unshackled BirthThe experiences of women who give birth while in jail and the associated injustices