Work

Drawing It Out: A Descriptive Study on How Medical Students Use Graphic Medicine to Depict Their Transition to Third Year

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Purpose: Graphic medicine provides a unique method for medical students transitioning to clinical rotations to express their sentiments. Materials and Methods: In total, 36 cartoons created by 248 third-year medical students to represent their transition to clinical rotations in 2018-2019 were qualitatively analyzed for tone and common thematic elements. Results: Twenty-four (67%) of these cartoons were coded as negative, eight (22%) were mixed, and four (11%) were positive. Common themes present were the use of horror imagery, feelings of inadequacy, and time pressure. Discussion: Analysis of graphic medicine provides educators an opportunity to reflect and incorporate ways to address the problems highlighted.

Source: Medical Science Educator

DOI: 10.1007/s40670-025-02377-w

Authors: Casey Fishman, Justin Do, Fred Markham

Institution: Thomas Jefferson University

Language: English

Topic: Comics and Graphic Narratives

Subfield: Visual Arts and Performing Arts

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Quality education, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,290