Niall Seery Director of Technology & Education, and Jane Burns, Conference Organiser, Director of Education & Public Engagement in the Faculty of Engineering & Informatics and with Professor Neil J Rowan at the Technological University of the Shannon

International Graphic Medicine Conference held in Athlone

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The 15th International Graphic Medicine Conference, being held in Ireland for the first time, aims to explore how to communicate complex medical information through comics and art.

Taking place at the Technological University of the Shannon in Athlone from July 16 - 18, it aims to establish a graphic medicine community in Ireland, which has recently become more active in this field.

The term 'graphic medicine' was coined by Dr. Ian Williams in 2007, encompassing the use of comics in healthcare, education, and patient communication

There are 200 attendees from 25 countries participating online and in person promoting the benefits of collaboration, research, learning, and knowledge sharing.

Workshops, led by experts like Dr. Williams, focus on using comics to foster empathy and convey complex medical information. Personal stories, such as Maya Milkowska-Shibat’s journey from patient to public health professional, illustrate the impact of graphic medicine.

Participants, including pathologist John Brennan and veterinarian Peggy Brosnahan, shared how graphic medicine helps them process emotional challenges in their professions. The event also features poster presentations and exhibitions, such as University College Cork's work on pregnancy and loss.

Given the conference theme of Draíocht (magic), local magician Arnie Seery performed for the delegates on Thursday at lunchtime.

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