Meet CHIDIEBERE IBE | Medical Illustrator

We had the good fortune of connecting with CHIDIEBERE IBE and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi CHIDIEBERE, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I think it’s a matter of honest self-reflection. What is your WHY?
TO WHOM do I owe all the hard work?
Am I learning and growing or just suffering, or is the suffering teaching me life’s lessons, and most importantly, what is my gut telling me?

I believe in the journey of success, we need to know when to keep going or to give up. If our uttermost goal is a “selfish” goal, there is a need to give up; if it places humanity first, there is a need to strive. In the long run, all that matters is that we never leave the people around us the same, as we strive.

If you are chasing a task, and your “supposed” supporters are against it, keep pushing for it. If there are too much popular opinion, filter the wisdom and run with the necessities. Most importantly, be true to your faith. God is the greatest source for clarity and direction.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is deeply rooted in diversity, inclusion, and representation. I am most known for creating Black medical illustrations, an area that has historically lacked racial representation. One of my most iconic illustrations, a Black fetus in utero, went viral and sparked a global conversation about racial diversity in medical education and healthcare. I think that what sets my work apart is its intentional focus on portraying diverse skin and anatomy in medical contexts, and telling stories with them, which is still shockingly rare in textbooks, journals, and educational resources. I use these arts as a measure of advocacy, to represent, and to challenge systemic erasure in the medical field.

I came from humble beginnings in Nigeria and began my journey without formal training in medical illustration or art. I was self-taught, using free tools and online resources, while navigating financial limitations and a lack of access to materials needed to grow. There were no access to devices needed to learn, as the laptop used for the illustration was borrowed. I believe the obscurity led taught me several life lessons;

You don’t need permission to make a difference. Find a door, and open it, If there is no door, build one.

Purpose fueled my perseverance. Against all odds. I kept pushing.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
I love drives. So, for sure would be a long drive around the city. Take a walk in the green parks, as I am a lover of nature. I think it’s go for gaming; Pool, tennis, chess, and all. For food, we could do wine tasting, seafood, and a nice African meal.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Firstly, I want to thank the Almighty God, because without Him, I would not have achieved this great success. Secondly, my family and loved ones have been very pivotal in my journey. My mentors, Harvard Medical School, Termeer Institute; a big shout-out to you all!

CNN, BBC, DW TV, ShoutoutLA, and more. Big shout-out to you all for amplifying my story.

Website: https://www.chidiebereibe.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ebereillustrate

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chidiebere-ibe-206ab81a9/

Twitter: https://www.x.com/ebereillustrate

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/Chidiesquire1

Image Credits
Chidiebere Ibe