>
NHS Careers in Detail
>
Healthcare science
>
Types of careers
>
Clinical engineering and physical science
>
Medical illustrator
Medical illustrator
This page describes the work of medical illustrators, including information on entry requirements and training.
Medical illustrators
Medical illustrators provide a wide range of clinical photography
and graphic services to all staff working in medical and
paramedical areas.
What does it involve?
Medical illustrators work as part of the healthcare team in the
hospital environment. They may work as a clinical photographer,
video producer, artist or graphic designer. A medical illustrator
may work in the studio, clinics, operating theatres or on the
wards. Medical illustrators provide essential professional and
cost-effective photographic and graphic services for use in
patient care, medical education and research.
Medical illustrators work closely with
doctors, scientists,
nurses and other healthcare professionals associated with the
delivery of care. They are responsible for providing photographic
and other visual records of patients and pathological materials.
These provide valuable aids in early diagnosis or confirming
effective treatment of disease. Many medical illustrators are
involved in specialised techniques such as Fluorescein
Angiography to delineate retinal blood vessels and the production
of images for treatment planning in craniofacial surgery.
They may also offer their expertise to graphic design, such as in
the production of audio-visual teaching/lecture material, artwork
for scientific posters and patient information, or design and
layout for annual reports and other corporate material.
In addition to having an understanding of anatomy, medical
illustrators must show evidence of technical expertise and/or
innovative artistic skills. It is also important to have good
written and verbal communication skills as well as the ability to
accept high levels of responsibility. Medical illustrators must
also have a sympathetic and professional attitude when dealing
with patients and family/carers.
Entry requirements:
You will need an A' levels, a relevant foundation degree, HND or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject.
Training programmes:
Training is by a full-time degree
in clinical photography including work placements. Various relevant
qualifications may enable you to gain accreditation of prior
experiential learning (APEL) and take the degree on a part-time basis.
If you have a first degree in photography, you may be able to take a
postgraduate course in clinical photography.
Further details of the routes available and courses in clinical photography can be found on the
Institute of Medical Illustrators website
Career prospects:
Medical illustrators are graded according to seniority.
Higher-grade posts involve more decision-making and management.
You progress by applying for higher-grade vacancies. At the most
senior grade you will probably be running a large department.
How to apply:
Most NHS trusts now advertise on the NHS Jobs website,
www.jobs.nhs.uk. Vacancies are also
advertised in local press and job centres. They will also
be found in specialist publications and websites such as the
Institute of Medical Illustrators
www.imi.org.uk or those of other
relevant professional bodies. Further details may be directly
available from hospital personnel departments.
Further information
For further information on careers in medical illustration,
please contact:
Institute of Medical Illustrators
Medical and Dental Illustration Unit
Leeds Dental Institute
Clarendon Way
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS2 9LU
Tel: 0113 2336258
Fax: 0113 2336165
Website: www.imi.org.uk
or:
British Institute of Professional Photography
2 Amwell End
Ware
Hertfordshire
SG12 9HN
TOP