Graphic Medicine Takes Center Stage at UV Medicine Laboratory wiht Argentine Pediatrician María Constanza Funes
The UV Medicine Laboratory recently hosted a week-long festivity of graphic medicine, a discipline that merges art and healthcare to explore the human side of medicine. The event featured the renowned argentine pediatrician and graphic humorist, María Constanza Funes, affectionately known as “Coti”. Her unique blend of medical expertise and artistic talent has made her a standout figure in the field, captivating audiences on platforms like Instagram thru her account @GajosDeloficio.
A Week of Inspiration and Creativity
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Coti funes,a pediatric emergency doctor from Buenos Aires,has carved a niche for herself by using graphic medicine to address the challenges and humor of medical practice. She is the author of two books, “Small Segments of the Medical Trade” (2018) and “Great Segments of the Medical Trade” (2023), and hosts a popular medical humor podcast available on YouTube.
During her visit, Funes was warmly welcomed by Katherine Cuevas, the UV Medicine Laboratory’s liaison, and engaged with students from diverse fields, including Obstetrics, Nursing, Medicine, Phonoaudiology, Medical Technology, and Design. “I nourished with their experiences. And I loved that, although they came with fear of drawing, they released a lot,” Funes shared.
Her workshops extended to academics in Obstetrics and Nursing, where participants reflected on professionalism and the emotional aspects of their work. “I took all the enthusiasm of doing new things they showed,” she added.
Bridging Humor and Healthcare
Funes also visited Gustavo Fricke Hospital and Carlos Van Buren Hospital,where she collaborated with medical teams from various specialties. Through vignettes, she explored themes of self-care among healthcare professionals, fostering a lively exchange of ideas filled with humor and laughter.
Her stand-up comedy performance at the Fifth Region Medical College was a highlight, drawing students, doctors, and the Narrative Medicine Laboratory team. “We all laughed together and gave us a sense of belonging,” Funes remarked.
A Collaborative Effort
The event also featured collaborations with UV Medicine Laboratory teachers Juan Pablo Gigoux, Pamela Jofré, and Pía Flores. Together, they explored the use of drawing and comics as teaching tools and visited the Faculty of Medicine Library, where Funes was impressed by the extensive graphic medicine collection.
A visit to the Vergara Palace further enriched the experience, as Funes observed the VTS technique in action and reflected on medical professionalism alongside Dr. Juan Carlos Claro, Director of Medical Professionalism at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
The UV Graphic Medicine Project
The UV Graphic Medicine Project was initiated in 2018 by Dr. Juan Pablo Gigoux, who brought his expertise in comics and drawing to the laboratory. His master’s degree in Graphic Medicine further solidified the project’s foundation. Since then, the initiative has flourished, hosting graphic medicine meetings, courses, conferences, and interviews with prominent authors.
The project has gained momentum with the support of Dibra and the contributions of Jorge Donoso, who joined the laboratory in 2023. Dr. Gigoux’s efforts have also led to the development of an assistant program, resulting in publications and research with student Carolina Contreras.
Key Highlights of the Event
| Activity | Participants | Outcome |
|———————————-|——————————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Graphic medicine Workshops | students from multiple disciplines | Increased confidence in drawing and creative expression |
| Hospital Visits | Medical teams from Gustavo Fricke and Carlos Van Buren | Enhanced focus on self-care and professional well-being |
| Stand-Up Comedy Performance | Students, doctors, and laboratory team | strengthened sense of community and shared humor |
| Collaborative sessions | UV Medicine Laboratory teachers | Exchange of innovative teaching tools and techniques |
| Library and Palace Tours | Funes and academic teams | Exploration of graphic medicine resources and reflection on professionalism |
A Lasting Impact
Coti Funes’ visit not onyl highlighted the power of graphic medicine but also inspired participants to embrace creativity and humor in their professional lives. As the UV Graphic medicine Project continues to grow, it promises to be a beacon of innovation in medical education and practice.
For more insights into graphic medicine and its applications,explore the works of María Constanza Funes and the ongoing initiatives at the UV Medicine Laboratory.
Images courtesy of UV Medicine Laboratory.
An Inspiring Week with Dr.Coti Funes: Bridging Medicine and Art
Q&A with Dr. Coti funes: Exploring graphic Medicine and Professional Humor
Editor: Dr. Funes,your work combines medical expertise with artistic creativity. How did you first become interested in graphic medicine?
Dr. Coti Funes: It all started during my time as a pediatric emergency doctor in Buenos Aires. I noticed that many of my colleagues and patients were dealing with stress and emotional challenges. I began using comics and drawings as a way to process these experiences and share them with others. Over time, I realized the power of graphic medicine to communicate complex medical topics in a relatable and humorous way.
Editor: Your visit to the UV Medicine Laboratory involved workshops with students from diverse fields. What was your most memorable experience during these sessions?
Dr. Coti funes: One of the highlights was seeing students from fields like Obstetrics, Nursing, and Medicine overcome their fear of drawing. Many of them initially hesitated, but by the end of the workshops, they were creating vibrant and expressive pieces. I could feel their enthusiasm for trying something new, and it was incredibly rewarding to see them connect with their creativity.
Editor: You also collaborated with medical teams at Gustavo Fricke Hospital and Carlos Van Buren Hospital.How did these interactions contribute to discussions about self-care among healthcare professionals?
Dr. Coti Funes: These collaborations were deeply meaningful. We explored themes like professional well-being and self-care through vignettes and humor. The medical teams shared their experiences, and together, we found ways to address the emotional aspects of their work. Laughter played a big role in these discussions, helping to create a sense of connection and mutual support.
Editor: Your stand-up comedy performance at the Fifth Region Medical College was a major highlight of your visit. How did humor bring the audience together?
Dr. Coti Funes: Humor has a unique way of breaking down barriers and creating a sense of community. During the performance, I shared anecdotes from my medical career, and the audience responded with laughter and applause. It was a moment of shared joy and recognition,reminding us all of the importance of finding humor in our daily lives,even in the most challenging situations.
Editor: The UV Graphic Medicine Project has been a meaningful initiative since its inception in 2018. How do you see it shaping the future of medical education?
Dr. Coti Funes: The UV Graphic Medicine Project is a trailblazer in the field. By integrating comics and drawings into medical education, it encourages students to think creatively and communicate effectively. I believe this approach will continue to grow, inspiring future generations of healthcare professionals to embrace innovation and empathy in their practice.
Key Takeaways from the Interview
- Graphic medicine offers a powerful way to address the emotional and professional challenges faced by healthcare workers.
- Creativity and humor can foster a sense of community and well-being among medical professionals.
- Initiatives like the UV Graphic Medicine Project are paving the way for innovative approaches to medical education and practice.
For more information about graphic medicine and Dr.Coti Funes’ work, visit her Instagram account @GajosDeloficio and explore the resources available at the UV Medicine Laboratory.
Images courtesy of UV Medicine Laboratory.
