Black artist brings diversity to medical textbook illustrations
You've probably seen medical illustrations in textbooks or at the doctor's office, but have you ever seen one featuring a person of color?
In November 2021, an illustration of a pregnant Black woman went viral on Twitter and many users commented that they'd never seen an image like it.
The image, created by future Nigerian medical student and illustrator Chidiebere Ibe, has drawn attention to efforts by artists of color to bring more diversity to the drawings, which can impact patient care.
Less than 5% of images in four of the medicine textbooks assigned at top medical schools in the United States show dark skin, researchers found in a 2018 study.
Medical student and illustrator
— Chidiebere Ibe
“
Because of the lack of representation, the learning process were very difficult for me. During that process, I realized that there was a problem somewhere that needed to be addressed.
Although he's received some negative comments, Ibe said he's been inundated with positive responses, including people who said the images made them feel valued and inspired their children to study medicine.