During PCOM Georgia’s recent Mental Health and Wellness Fair, the campus library showcased a special display of books aimed at promoting wellness, including a surprisingly popular collection of graphic medicine novels. Education and Outreach Librarian, Meghan Di Rito Wegendt, MLIS, shared what students are checking out and how these unconventional titles are helping teach them about medicine.
Graphic novels are essentially long comic books that use visual storytelling combined with text to tell a complete story.
Graphic medicine is where comics intersect with health care. Coined in 2007 by Dr. Ian Williams, the term refers to using comics and graphic novels to communicate medical information, illustrate patient and caregiver experiences, and deepen understanding of health and illness. It helps with patient education and also teaches healthcare professionals about the emotional and psychological aspects of care through visual and narrative storytelling.
Generally, our graphic medicine collection is popular because it combines a fun, comic book style with important medical topics students are studying. Honestly, who wouldn’t prefer to read a comic over a textbook if both cover the same material?
Graphic medicine novels blend emotional and visual storytelling, which makes them great for reducing stress, fostering self-understanding, and promoting empathy. Plus, reading graphic novels is just fun, and that enjoyment itself can be therapeutic.
Absolutely. Each campus library has a leisure reading collection, including graphic medicine titles, that students really appreciate. The best part? They get to enjoy these books without having to pay for them!
PCOM Georgia has been serving students and the community for 20 years as a branch campus of Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), a private, not-for-profit, accredited institution of higher education established in 1899. Located in Suwanee (Gwinnett County), PCOM Georgia offers doctoral degrees in osteopathic medicine, pharmacy and physical therapy. Graduate degrees are offered in biomedical sciences, medical laboratory science and physician assistant studies. The campus joins PCOM South Georgia in Moultrie in helping to meet the healthcare needs of the state. Emphasizing "a whole person" approach to care, PCOM Georgia focuses on educational excellence, interprofessional education and service to the community. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 678-225-7500. The campus is also home to the Georgia Osteopathic Care Center, an osteopathic manipulative medicine clinic, which is open to the public by appointment. For more information, visit pcomgeorgiahealth.org.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Joy Williford
Assistant Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: joyde@pcom.edu
Office: 470-572-7558
