What began as a way to celebrate and learn, quickly became a call to action. As a global company dedicated to innovation in medical devices, we recognized that representation matters—not just in our workforce, but in the way we present our products. During the production of our IV Catheter video animation, we worked with the animators to showcase a diverse range of skin tones. By making this change, we aim to contribute to a more inclusive healthcare landscape—one where every individual can see themselves reflected in the tools and treatments designed for their care.

Diversity in representation isn’t just about visibility—it directly impacts patient outcomes. Studies have shown that when patients see themselves accurately represented in medical education and tools, it builds trust, improves communication, and leads to better healthcare experiences. At MedSource Labs, our mission is to advance patient care through innovation, and we believe that inclusivity plays a crucial role in achieving that goal.

We shared our journey in a blog post last year, highlighting the importance of diversity in medical illustration: Read the full post here.

Black History Month is a time to honor the past, champion progress, and commit to ongoing change. As we continue our work in 2025 and beyond, we remain focused on fostering inclusivity in the medical space—both in the products we create and the ways we present them.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Representation in healthcare saves lives, builds trust, and ensures that innovation truly serves everyone.

Sincerely,

Anna Peterson
Creative Director, MedSource Labs

Honoring Dr. Charles Drew: A Pioneer in Medicine Who Revolutionized Blood Storage and Saved Millions

As we contemplate Black History Month, we look both to the recent past and further back. This month, we shine a light on Dr. Charles Drew (1904–1950).  He was a visionary in transfusion medicine whose groundbreaking work in blood storage and preservation revolutionized modern healthcare. His innovations laid the foundation for life-saving blood banks and impacted countless lives over the past .

Dr. Drew was a pioneer in hematology, revolutionizing the way blood is collected, stored, and distributed. His research in blood preservation led to the development of large-scale blood banks, a critical advancement that has saved millions of lives. During World War II, he directed the first large-scale blood donation program, which supplied much-needed plasma to Allied forces. His expertise also helped establish the American Red Cross blood bank, which set the standard for modern blood donation systems.

Beyond his scientific achievements, Dr. Drew was a passionate educator and advocate for racial equality in medicine. As the first Black person to earn a medical doctorate from Columbia University, he broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black physicians. He mentored countless students at Howard University, emphasizing the importance of excellence, perseverance, and integrity in medical practice.

Despite facing racial barriers, Dr. Drew’s work transformed healthcare and continues to save lives today. This Black History Month, we honor his enduring legacy.