Could comics be the future of Medical and Patient education?

As I explored the concept of “Graphic Medicine"— the  intersection of comics and healthcare—on Dr. Ian Williams’ comprehensive website, I had an epiphany. Medical education can actually be fun! Why rely solely on dense textbooks when patient education could easily adopt a more comic style?

If we collaborated with comic book creators or took inspiration from initiatives by "Graphic Medicine" experts, my mind raced with possibilities for more innovative patient education initiatives. We already develop countless brochures and posters that simply end up forgotten in clinic bins. There has to be a better way to truly connect with and inform patients.

I reminisced about the Amar Chitra Katha, Chandamama, and Diamond comics I avidly read as a child. They artfully distilled Indian tales with engaging characters tailored to local culture and context. What if similar health-focused comics starring captivating mascots were created today? Such easily digestible and shareable content could transform patient awareness and self-care.

For instance, orthopedic injuries are incredibly common, but guidance on physiotherapy routines or self-diagnosing symptoms remains limited. An ongoing comic strip or book modeling such concepts could fill this knowledge gap beautifully. The same applies for surging health threats like diabetes and hypertension that demand patient vigilance. 

Sleep disorders are also on the rise, with doctors ill-equipped to teach proper sleep hygiene. Much like popular Japanese manga, a serial comic could attract readers of all ages to absorb this learning. Other subjects, like avoiding flu spread at work or recognizing warning signs of cardiovascular disease, represent additional rich comic opportunities.

Notable examples demonstrate the immense marketing potential of healthcare comic mascots. The Handy Heart educates children on nutrition and heart health in Zimbabwe. And the Neurocomic Graphic Novel engagingly walks readers through the fundamentals of neuroscience. Even in the Indian scenario, we had mascots, a comic character theme awareness for the hepatitis vaccine by GSK and a band-aid mascot.  

Imagine the fan fervor and merchandise sales that such health mascot comics could yield over time. These characters deserve full backstories, witty dialogue, and quirky personalities that leap off the page. Building their fame across social media channels and licensing their likeness for related games or products promises lucrative returns. The marketing team could actually end up earning through licensing deals in addition to awareness.  

While some pharma marketers have dabbled in comics for specific campaigns, my aim is to spark more consistent and ambitious graphic medicine adoption. Let’s transform boring brochures into binge-worthy entertainment that also saves lives! Our creations can inform the public, influence positive behaviors, and drive brand affinity—all while putting the “fun” into functional health communication.