Extended Bio

Dr. Shirlene Obuobi is a Ghanaian-American general cardiologist, cartoonist, and USA TODAY bestselling author who is from Chicago, Illinois, Malvern, Arkansas and The Woodlands, Texas. She completed her undergraduate education at Washington University in St. Louis and subsequently received the rest of her medical training at the University of Chicago. She is currently an assistant professor at the Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. Dr. Obuobi is also the originator of the popular @shirlywhirlmd comics on Instagram, which cover a range of topics, including identity, healthcare disparities, and the rigors of medical training. Her comics were influential in depicting to the public what it was like to serve on the frontlines of the early days the COVID19 pandemic and were prominently featured in both international and national galleries. In addition, she has gained recognition for her medical education and advocacy, promoting heart healthy practices.

She was formerly a contributor for the Washington Post's WellBeing section, and her work has also been featured in the  Lancet, Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC), and Medscape as well as in exhibits around the world. Her novels, ON ROTATION, BETWEEN FRIENDS & LOVERS, and DIE FOR ME have been featured on multiple national outlets such as Teen Vogue, the Washington Post, and Good Morning America.