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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:
To qualify as a medical illustrator, you will need a degree in medical illustration that is approved by the Institute of Medical Illustrators.
To qualify as a clinical photographer you will also be required to hold a post graduate certificate in clinical photography. You will normally take this course on a distance learning basis, while working in a post as a trainee medical illustrator. On completion of your training you will be eligible to join the voluntary register of the Committee for the Accrediation of Medical Illustration Practitioners.
Alternatively, you can do the three year full-time BSc (Hons) course in clinical photography - which is currently run only by Westminster University.
Graphic designers can also do a post graduate certificate in graphic design for health.
Further details of the routes available and courses in medical illustration and 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.Job vacancies and how to apply:
All NHS organisations in England and Wales advertise on the NHS Jobs website. 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 or those of other relevant professional bodies. Further details may be directly available from hospital human resources departments.Further information
For further information on careers in medical illustration, please contact:
Institute of Medical IllustratorsMedical 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
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