Definition of a medical illustrator:
An artist who creates visual material designed to record and communicate medical, biologic, and related knowledge. A strong foundation in biological, anatomy, physiology, pathology, general medicine, and the visual arts is essential.

Frequently asked questions:

Q: Why not take a photograph?
A: Medical illustrators do take photographs, however photographs cannot always pick out details because of obstructions. A trained medical illustrator with knowledge of anatomy can omit these obstructions to provide a clearer representation of the information required. This cannot be acheived with a photograph or an x-ray (see opposite). 3 layers have been illustrated to demonstrate the measurements at which the temporal nerve crosses over the zygomatic arch and passes the zygomatic rim, finally sitting above the eyebrow. This information is very important for an ophthalmic surgeon as one incision across these nerves will result in partial facial palsy.

Q: What mediums can be used?
A: I am trained in the traditional mediums of watercolour, oil, acrylic, pastel, pencil, pen and ink and charcoal. In the past 5 years I have moved towards using a combination of digital and traditional mediums. I am experienced in using Adobe software including Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash and Dreamweaver.

Q: What medical training do you have?
A: In 2005 I joined the Medical Artist Education Trust (MAET) furthering my education in anatomy, physiology and pathology. All my studies were conducted at The faculty of Medicine at Manchester University and Royal College of Surgeons in London, where I studied from cadavers and cased specimens. At the end of each semester I undertook a portfolio exam at the Barber Surgeons Hall London, in front of a panel consisting of 4 surgeons and 3 medical art lecturers. In 2009 I graduated in Cambridge with full membership to the Medical Artists Association of Great Britain.

Q: Do you have any specific areas of interest?
A: In 2009 I spent 5 days at the The Nanoscience Centre in Cambridge, studying the use of nanotechnology for biomedical treatment. From an artist’s point of view this is incredibly interesting as sometimes you have to use your imagination and knowledge to visualize structures that cannot be photographed.