A medical illustrator is a professional artist with advanced education in both the life sciences and visual communication. Collaborating with scientists, physicians, and other specialists, medical illustrators transform complex information into visual images that have the potential to communicate to broad audiences. The work of medical illustrators promotes education, research, patient care, public relations, and marketing efforts.

A medical illustrator is a visual problem solver. Background research, including reading scientific papers, meeting with scientific experts, perhaps observing surgery or a laboratory procedure, is often an integral part of the creative process.

The field is changing rapidly due to discoveries in both science and technology. From the human genome to the latest robotic surgical technique, the need for accurate effective communication continues to expand.

In the past, the majority of medical illustrators were employed at large medical centers where they worked closely with physicians to produce illustrations for publications such as medical textbooks and scientific journals, as well as instructional videos, films, presentations, and exhibits.

Now, advances in computer graphics and imaging are generating vast new opportunities in which visualization is the key to understanding. Sub-cellular processes too small to be seen even by the most advanced microscopes can come alive through computer animations. A growing need for patients to better understand their state of health and their medical options is expanding the production of medical information aimed at the lay public. The Internet and wireless technology enables information to be widely and readily available on displays that rely on simplified but sophisticated graphics. Attorneys use medical illustration to clarify complex medical information for judges and juries in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

So, while many medical illustrators still produce illustrations for books and journals, others now act as art directors and producers of a broad range of work from animations and patient education programs to advanced computerized training simulations.

Medical illustration is a small field with fewer than an estimated 2,000 trained practitioners in the world. Yet, medical illustration is also a diverse field with most professionals developing specialties. Some specialize by subject matter, such as surgery, veterinary medicine, or ophthalmology. Others specialize by media, such as computer animation or the making of three-dimensional models. Others specialize by targeting specific markets such as medical publishing, pharmaceutical advertising, or medical-legal work. Medical illustrators develop considerable knowledge and expertise within their specialty and become an integral part of the production team. Some medical illustrators are authors and co-authors of textbooks or articles in which they've made major contributions to the content.

Approximately half of medical illustrators are self-employed. They may work primarily alone or they may form creative teams, perhaps with allied professionals such as writers, graphic designers, photographers, or filmmakers. Other medical illustrators work at medical schools, hospitals and clinics, research institutions, medical publishers, law firms, advertising agencies, web/animation firms, and other creative services businesses.

Some medical illustrators evolve throughout their careers into leadership positions as art directors, managers, administrators, faculty members, and business owners.

The majority of medical illustrators in the profession have a master's degree from an accredited two-year graduate program in medical illustration. There are currently four programs in the United States and one in Canada that are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). Each program accepts 16 or fewer students each year, so entrance into the schools is very competitive.

Course work varies somewhat from program to program, but all include a combination of basic science courses in anatomy, pathology, microanatomy, physiology, embryology, and neuroanatomy, along with specialized applied art courses such as surgical illustration. Other classes include color theory, instructional design, photography, interactive media development, 3-D modeling and web design, along with traditional drawing and computer applications.

Most programs require master's thesis projects and may have optional courses available in specialty fields such as advanced computer and video graphics, endoscopic illustration, or patient prosthetics.

An increasing number of medical illustrators are choosing to obtain PhD degrees in related fields of science or education, particularly those working in academic settings.

The nature of medical illustration demands that practitioners continue to keep up with new developments in both science and communications media. Formal continuing education is available through the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI). Continuing education credits are offered for workshops presented at the AMI's annual meeting, for AMI-sponsored regional meetings throughout the United States, and for pre-approved courses offered through other educational organizations.

Yes, the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators administers a certification program as a recognizable means to signify a practitioner's current competency in the profession. A Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI) has passed examinations dealing with business practices, ethics, biomedical science, and drawing skills, and has undergone a rigorous portfolio review. Competencies are maintained by meeting continuing education requirements and must be renewed every five years. The certification program is based on standards established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA).

Earnings vary according to:

• the experience and ability of the artist
• the type of work
• the area of the country where one works.

The title "Medical Illustrator" is a broad term. Depending on the type of employer and services provided, job skills may include animation, multimedia, interactive development, illustration, web and graphic design. In general, medical illustrators with diverse skills and more responsibility for concept development command higher salaries. Based on 2006 survey data, the average starting salary in a university or institutional setting for a medical illustrator is around $44,000 to $55,000 per year plus benefits. Those who specialize in animation and multimedia typically earn a higher salary. Mid-level salaried medical illustrators (6-15 years) usually earn between $54,000 to $74,000 per year. Administrators and those with faculty appointments may earn between $70,000 to $150,000 per year. Approximately 43% of salaried illustrators often supplement their income with freelance work.

Self-employed (freelance) medical illustrators may have set prices for particular kinds of art, but most establish fees based on usage rights granted and project complexity. Based on 2006 survey data, sole proprietors earn on average $65,000 and up to $225,000 per year. Although the earnings of self-employed medical illustrators may be more erratic than those of salaried illustrators, the highest earnings are generally made by those whose art and professionalism keep them in constant demand.

In addition to earnings from salary or freelance projects, some medical artists have royalty, co-author, and re-use arrangements with publishers and clients that can provide an additional, and sometimes significant, source of income.

To find a qualified medical illustrator, you can access the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) online membership directory.

The Medical Illustration Source Book can be viewed at www.medillsb.com. Many self-employed medical illustrators have their own websites where examples of their work can be seen.

Potential employers and clients can post job announcements by contacting our headquarters This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or 1-866-393-4AMI. The job descriptions are emailed to our membership and posted in our member community.

Members can post and find job listings by logging into the Member Community.

High school students contemplating medical illustration as a career should take a college preparatory program with as much emphasis on art and science as possible.

In college, students should concentrate on art and biology. Art courses should include drawing, life drawing, painting, color theory, graphic design, illustration, and computer graphics. In the sciences, students should include general biology or zoology, vertebrate anatomy, developmental biology, physiology, chemistry, and cell biology. The science courses must be of the caliber required for science majors.

Admission requirements for the accredited graduate programs in medical illustration vary from program to program. In general, a bachelor's degree with a major in art and a minor in the biological sciences, or a major in science with a minor in art, is preferred. In addition, a portfolio of artwork and a personal interview are generally required. A list of the currently accredited graduate programs can be viewed here.