Authors
Medical Sciences Education Research Center, Department of Medical Education, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
,
Document Type : Letter to Editor
10.22038/hmed.2025.83382.1430
Abstract
Introduction: In the complex world of medicine, there is a pressing need for innovative teaching methods. A fundamental challenge is the effective transmission of complex concepts to students who face a vast amount of theoretical and practical information. Caricature, as an effective communication tool, can play a significant role in facilitating the learning process in medical sciences. Numerous studies have shown that caricatures have a high capacity for conveying information and can aid in better learning and retention of knowledge. Additionally, learning in a fun environment can enhance student motivation. Research indicates that the use of caricatures in medical classrooms leads to reduced anxiety and increased student participation. Despite the advantages of caricatures, challenges such as a lack of standardization and the need for design expertise remain. Ultimately, caricature can serve as an effective educational strategy alongside traditional methods, contributing to the improvement of medical education, and further research in this area is essential.
- Gonzalez-Espada WJ. Integrating physical science and the graphic arts with scientifically accurate comic strips: rationale, description, and implementation. Revista Electrónica de Enseñanza de las Ciencias. 2003; 2(1):58-66
- Green MJ, Myers KR. Graphic medicine: use of comics in medical education and patient care. Bmj. 2010; 340.
- Kathiah R, Saraswathy M, Selvakumar S. Evaluating the impact of cartoon-based learning on student performance and engagement in medical education: an experimental study. Cureus. 2024; 16(2).
- Matsuzono, T., Takahashi, Y., & Yamaguchi, M. (2015). The impact of cartoons on learning in medical education: A systematic review. Journal of Medical Education and Curricular Development, 2, 1-8.
- Heidari AA, Dudge Moghaddam M, Ebrahimi Garoui H. Challenges of General Medical Education (Extern AND Intern) in school of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences. Horizon of Medical Education Development. 2021 Sep 23; 12(3):35-49. [In Persian]
- Maatman TC, Vugrnick B, Manak C, Wrzosek M, Usher C, Williams J, et al. Emotional content of comics drawn by medical students and residents. Academic Psychiatry. 2020; 44(5):572-6.
- Alhreashy FA, Mobeirek AA, Mobeirek OA, Al-Suwaidan SD, AlRajeh NM, Alhorishi MA. Caricature-based Antenatal Breastfeeding Education Trial: A Randomized Controlled Trial. Journal of Nature and Science of Medicine. 2024 Apr 1; 7(2):73-81.
- Moretti V, Scavarda A, Green MJ. Learning by drawing: understanding the potential of comics-based courses in medical education through a qualitative study. BMC medical education. 2025; 25(1):563.
- Norris EM. The constructive use of images in medical teaching: a literature review. JRSM Short Reports. 2012; 3(5):1-8.
- Mediouni M, Schlatterer DR, Khoury A. Revisiting an old strategy: cartoons in medical education. Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine. 2019 Jan 2; 42(1):26-30.