Illustrating Ethics: Using Graphic Medicine to Teach Ethical Reasoning in Healthcare Education

Abstract: The use of graphic depictions in healthcare education is widespread, appearing frequently in textbooks and instructional materials. However, the explicit use of comics—blending words and images in a unique narrative format—has only recently gained recognition as a powerful pedagogical tool in healthcare education (Hoffman, 2023). Beyond fostering observational skills, graphic medicine has been employed to enhance understanding of pathologies, challenge misinformation, and promote empathy by offering an inside look at the lived experience of illness (Green & Myers, 2010).
An emerging and particularly valuable application of graphic medicine is in the teaching of clinical ethics. Comics provide an accessible and engaging medium for illustrating ethical dilemmas, allowing students to explore complex moral issues in a way that feels approachable rather than intimidating. Their visual and narrative structure facilitates nuanced discussions on topics such as patient autonomy, informed consent, and professional boundaries. By depicting diverse ethical scenarios, graphic narratives encourage students to critically analyze decision-making processes and consider multiple perspectives.
However, as with any educational tool, the use of comics in ethics education requires careful consideration. Graphic narratives can reflect cultural biases or reinforce stereotypes if not chosen thoughtfully (Myers, Osborne, & Wu, 2022). Educators must critically evaluate materials to ensure that they foster ethical reasoning without perpetuating harmful assumptions.
This presentation introduces the role of graphic medicine in ethics education within health sciences, discussing key concepts, terminology, and practical strategies for integrating graphic narratives into a health science ethics curriculum.

Keywords: ethical reasoning, graphic medicne, healthcare education