Medical Illustrator

Occupational description Medical illustrators specialize in the visual display and communication of scientific information. Their graduate-level training in science, art, and communications enables them to understand and visualize scientific data and concepts. They create visuals and design communication to teach medical professionals as well as the general public. Medical illustration is a descriptive term for the work of highly trained professional artists who choose medicine as their subject matter. It can be extremely realistic and anatomically precise or thematic, interpretive, or even abstract and wildly conceptual. Media used by medical illustrators can be high tech or traditional. Medical illustration is used effectively in all major markets, including but not restricted to advertising, editorial, institutional, and instructional. It is also at the forefront of newly emerging markets such as legal, home health, and patient education. Medical illustration is a technically demanding and time-honored method of visual communication. Job description Through the medical graphics they create, medical illustrators are communicators and teachers. Although some medical illustrators specialize in a single art medium or confine their interest to one of the medical specialties, the majority handle an ever-changing variety of assignments. They work with many different media to produce the highly accurate and authentic illustrations used in the publication of medical books, journals, films, videotapes, exhibits, posters, wall charts, and computer programs. A medical illustrator may also work as a member of a research team to provide illustrations or participate directly in the research problem. Some specialize in preparing prosthetics for patients or in preparing models for instructional purposes. In addition to the production of graphics and three-dimensional works, medical illustrators may serve as producers/directors or designers in the development of instructional programs. They also may organize and serve as administrators of biomedical communication centers or illustration services at major teaching hospitals or health science centers. Employment characteristics Accredited programs prepare students for a career in academic or research health science centers, industry, or consulting. As members of the health career profession with strong communication skills, medical illustrators work closely with clients to interpret their needs and create visual solutions though effective problem solving. Medical illustrators are employed by medical schools, dental schools, and schools of veterinary medicine. Large medical centers involved in teaching and research and animation studios involved in commercial and private multimedia productions also employ medical illustrators. Many medical illustrators work independently on a freelance basis for medical publishers, pharmaceutical houses, or advertising agencies, in commercial settings, or for lawyers. Medical illustrators with appropriate background and professional experience are qualified to direct an illustration service unit or a biomedical communication center. Salary Earnings vary significantly according to 1) the experience and ability of the artist, 2) the type of work, and 3) the area of the country where one works. The average starting salary in an institutional setting for a graduate of an accredited school of medical illustration is around $40,000 to $45,000 a year plus fringe benefits. Experienced salaried illustrators usually earn between $45,000 to $75,000 a year. Administrators and faculty members generally earn somewhat more. Salaried illustrators often supplement their income with freelance work. Educational Programs Length. Accredited programs generally last 2 full years resulting in a master’s degree. Prerequisites. All current medical illustrator programs are at an advanced level and are based on a master’s model. Generally, 4 years of undergraduate study are necessary to gain the required foundation. All programs culminating in a graduate degree require a baccalaureate degree and a good academic record. A preparatory program for the professional or graduate level of study should include a balance of art, premedical biology, and the humanities. Applicants for the advanced professional-level programs must submit a portfolio of artwork. Curriculum. Although the area of major emphasis may vary from school to school, programs of study usually include most of the following courses: human gross anatomy (with detailed dissection); histology; physiology; embryology; neuroanatomy; pathology; illustration techniques; anatomical illustration; surgical illustration; modeling; prosthetics; graphic design; exhibit design and construction; medical photography; television and multimedia production; computer graphics; business management; instructional design; and production technology. Inquiries

Certification For information concerning certification please contact : John Nyquist Chair Certification Board of Medical Illustrators Phone: 716- 829-2945 Email: nyquist@buffalo.edu	Career AMI Headquarters The Association of Medical Illustrators 810 East 10th Lawrence, KS 66044 Phone: 866-393-4264 Website: www.ami.org Email: hq@ami.org