I recently published a comic “Beyond Broken: The Science of Bone Lengthening
and My Ilizarov Story” in Intima: A Journal of Narrative Medicine that explores my childhood experience undergoing limb-lengthening surgeries. Telling my story in this medium was both an act of personal sense-making and a deliberate effort at storytelling. As a public health professional and someone living with a disability, I believe sharing patient experiences is vital – not just for other patients, but for clinicians, caregivers, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of what it means to live with illness or disability.

What inspired me to share my story in a comic format? A few years ago, I discovered graphic medicine, an emerging field that combines personal health narratives with the visual storytelling power of comics. It has become an amazing space where patients, caregivers, and clinicians can connect through deeply personal stories. By blending visuals and narrative, comics make these experiences more accessible and relatable, offering insights that words alone often cannot capture.

Illness narratives and graphic medicine — A detail from “Human Experience,” by Gianna Paniagua - Intima - Fall 2022

I was encouraged to share my comic after seeing other artists in this medium previously published in Intima. One such artist was Gianna Paniagua, whose comic “Human Experience” appeared in the Studio Fall Art section of the 2022 issue. In her piece, Paniagua, a two-time heart transplant recipient, provides a deeply personal perspective on living in a body marked by a complex and invisible condition, and how it has reshaped the way she views the world and navigates life. Her account highlights not only the physical aspects of her condition, which many of us will never face, but also the deeply human struggles, questions, and acts of resilience that accompany it.

Stories like mine and Paniagua’s are not just empowering for us as storytellers; they are invaluable for those who provide care. These narratives offer insights into the lived realities of patients, nurturing empathy, understanding, and a more compassionate approach to care. Graphic medicine is opening doors for more voices to be heard, and with every story shared, we contribute to a growing tapestry of patient experiences that humanize medicine. By sharing our journeys, we help bridge the gap between clinical expertise and the true human experience of care, offering a deeper understanding that only lived experience can provide.