“Humor and honesty leap off the pages of this addictive read. A binge-worthy romance with a hilarious and relatable heroine that will steal your heart from the first sentence.” — Jane Igharo, author of Ties That Tether

Shirlene Obuobi is a Ghanaian-American physician, cartoonist, and author who grew up in Chicago, Illinois, Hot Springs, Arkansas and The Woodlands, Texas.

Born in Ghana, Obuobi came with her family to the United States when she was 6 years old and attended Washington University, St. Louis, MO, for undergrad. She has always had a passion for creating and is a self-taught artist and writer. Obuobi was drawn to the field of medicine, and specifically cardiology, because of the connection she could have with patients and their families.

Her comics, which have focused on the challenges of being a Ghanaian-American woman in medicine and the challenges of medical school, have gained nearly 38,000 followers on her Instagram account. Her comics have been featured in UChicago Medicine, Proto Magazine and the Medical University of Vienna’s Art, Action, Attitude/Body exhibit.

When she’s not in the hospital (and let’s be honest, even when she’s in it), she can be found drawing comics, writing on her phone, and obsessing over her three cats. She currently lives in Chicago, where she is completing her cardiology fellowship. Her debut novel, On Rotation, has been featured on national outlets such as Teen Vogue, the Washington Post, and Good Morning America. Her latest novel, Between Friends & Lovers (July 2024) is a story of love and friendship in the age of social media—where what you see might not be all you get.

Shirlene's Featured Titles

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Narrative Medicine and Identity

Shirlene will discuss the role of narratives in medicine, and how understanding patient narratives can improve patient care and commitment to the path.

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Comics as a Tool for Self Reflection and Advocacy

Shirlene describes comics as an art form and the ways they can be utilized for persuasion, advocacy, and commentary.

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School Visits

Shirlene discusses her path to medicine.

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Shirlene’s FAQ

Shirlene’s Patreon

Shirlene’s Hometown Bookstore | Order Signed Copies

Honors, Awards & Recognition

Marie Claire Book Club Pick
Teen Vogue | 25 Books by Black Authors We Can’t Wait to Read This Year
Betches | 22 Books You Need to Read This Year

Comics Featured In
UChicago Medicine
Proto Magazine
Medical University of Vienna’s Art, Action, Attitude/Body exhibit.

Media Kit

By clicking the link below you will be directed to a Google Docs Folder
where you can download author photos and cover images.

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