Post-graduate and certificate programs allow medical illustration graduates or people interested in medical communication from other fields to explore biomedical visualization or to add specializations to their repertoire of skills.

Please visit each program's website to carefully assess what the programs offer, their application requirements, and expected outcomes.

University of Georgia College Veterinary Medicine - USA

Post-Master's Certificate, Comparative Medical Illustration (1 year)
Web:http://www.vmerc.uga.edu/web/alumni.html
Note: Open to students enrolled in a CAAHEP-accredited medical illustration training program. For more info contact James Moore at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Glasgow School of Art/Simulation & Visualisation - Scotland

Post-MSc Medical Visualisation and Human Anatomy (1 year)
Web:http://www.gsa.ac.uk/study/graduate-degrees/medical-visualisation-human-anatomy/

Glasgow School of Art/Simulation & Visualisation - Scotland

Post-MSc Serious Games & Virtual Reality (1 Year)
Web:http://www.gsa.ac.uk/study/graduate-degrees/serious-games-and-virtual-reality/

Medical Artists' Education Trust - UK

Post-Master's Certificate, Medical Art (1 year; self-directed online)
Web:http://www.maet.org.uk/

Biomedical Visualization and Communication

University of British Columbia Certificate Program, postgraduate (1 year)
Web: https://extendedlearning.ubc.ca/programs/biomedical-visualization-communication-certificate

Some undergraduate institutions offer minors or majors in “pre-medical”, “biological” or “scientific” illustration that may help students develop introductory skills and knowledge and potentially to prepare for medical illustration graduate programs. Please note: these programs are not required for, nor do they guarantee admission to, graduate programs. Undergraduate majors and minors are not subject to detailed standards and outcome measures related to medical illustration.

Science preparation is equally important as drawing ability for a successful career in medical illustration. If considering an art school for an undergraduate degree, be sure the biological science courses are of pre-med caliber. Please note: this list does not constitute an endorsement of specific undergraduate institutions by the AMI. The AMI only partners with CAAHEP to accredit graduate programs in medical illustration. If students are interested in graduate study, they should contact graduate programs of interest for recommendations regarding undergraduate institutions and programs.

Programs may contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to be added to the list.

 

 

 

 

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.  Please enjoy these online galleries

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

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PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020
Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial
Nicholas Reback	Anatomic Features Contributing to Obstructive Sleep Apnea	Award of Merit
Andy Rekito	Immunopathogenesis of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)	Award of Excellence
Tianxing Shi	P-Lipo, a novel platelet-mimetic strategy in treating atherosclerosis	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional: Commercial
Cassio Lynm	A Novel Approach to Ablation Therapy	Award of Merit
Editorial
Alissa Eckert	2020 Global Public Health Enemy #1: SARS-CoV-2	Award of Merit
Wayne Heim	Controlling the speed and trajectory of evolution with counterdiabatic driving	Award of Merit
Chris Bickel	Coronavirus Interrupted	Award of Merit
Advertising and Marketing/Promotional
Audra Geras	A Comparison of: Standard Mesh HVAC Filtration versus Heated Nickel Mesh HVAC Filtration	Award of Merit
Medical-Legal
MediVisuals, Inc.	Burn Injuries and Treatments	Award of Excellence
Artery Studios, Inc.	Concepts of twin-twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) – Nathan and Marcus Smith	Award of Merit
Jennifer C. Darcy	Janie Doe: 7/25/15 Right Leg Injuries Following Gunshot Wound	Award of Excellence
Jennifer C. Darcy	John Doe’s Traumatic Facial Injuries	Award of Merit
MediVisuals, Inc.	Mechanism of Scalping Injury	Award of Merit
Illustrated Text (Traditionally Printed Book)
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020
Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial
INVIVO Communications Inc	COVID-19 and the Science of Soap	Award of Excellence
Nucleus Medical Media	Decoding Cancer Immunology: Hunting Hidden Tumours	Award of Merit
Tziporah Thompson	Educational Anatomy GIFs for Social Media	Award of Merit
Nucleus Medical Media	How COVID-19 Affects the Body	Award of Merit
AXS Studio	Vaccines vs Antivirals: What's the difference?	Award of Merit
Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial
INVIVO Communications Inc	HSDD & Treatment with Bremelanotide	Award of Merit
INVIVO Communications Inc	Pathophysiology of ATTR-CM	Award of Merit
AXS Studio	The Role of Contractility in Cardiac Function	Award of Excellence
Animation: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020
Animation: Medical-Legal
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020
Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial
Sam Bond	Cardiac Rehab Explorer	Award of Merit
Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020
Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products
N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020	N/A in 2020

 

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STUDENT CATEGORIES

Student Best of Show
Hang Lin	Cyborg Botany	Best of Show
Alexander Young	Twin-Twin Training Simulator: an interactive 3D surgical tool for teaching fetoscopic laster ablation to treat TTTS	Best of Show
Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological
Hang Lin	Acquired Ocular Toxoplasmosis	Award of Excellence
Victoria Zakrewski	Dissection of Pharyngeal Arch 1 Derivatives	Award of Merit
Emily Cheng	The Accessory Nerve CNXI Pathway	Award of Merit
Sora Ji	The relationship of the corpus callosum to structures of the hippocampus.	Award of Excellence
Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures
Katharine Thompson	ACL Reconstruction: Arthroscopic Graft Placement	Award of Merit
Siwen Wang	Foley Catheterization	Award of Merit
Jenny Wang	Robotic Donor Nephrectomy - Steps 8 and 9	Award of Excellence
Morgan Summerlin	Robotic-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy: Control of the Prostatic Pedicle	Award of Excellence
Madison Christian	Swine Ovariohysterectomy	Award of Merit
Megan Ward	Total Thyroidectomy	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences
Colleen Paris	A Guide to Potentially Habitable Exoplanets	Award of Excellence
Evelyn Lockhart	An Illusion of Fire and Ice	Award of Merit
Brittany Cheung	Emperor Penguins: Breeding Season and Adaptations	Award of Excellence
Emily Cheng	Life Cycle of the Flower Hat Jelly	Award of Excellence
Ava Schroedl	Mapping the Binding Sites of the Opioid Antidote	Award of Merit
Margot Riggi	Pyocins: natural bacteria killers	Award of Merit
Zhen Bai	The Perfect Match of Demise	Award of Merit
Editorial
Emily Taylor	Clinical Trials of Cancer Drugs Fail Due to Missed Target Protein	Award of Merit
Hang Lin	Cyborg Botany	Award of Excellence
Eric Chung	Predicting Peking Man: An Anthropological Approximation	Award of Merit
Christine (Si Ting) Shan	Space Biomining	Award of Merit
Still Media – Advertising and Marketing/Promotional
Kristin Piciacchia	Meet CPAP: A Guide to Getting Your Best Rest	Award of Merit
Animation
Ushma Patel	Bacteriophage Therapy and Antibiotic Resistance	Award of Merit
Avesta Rastan	Illuminating Medulloblastoma	Award of Merit
Tracy Xiang	Preoperative Anemia Patient Education: A Character Driven Story	Award of Merit
Morgan Summerlin	Visualizing HOPE: Encouraging HIV-Positive Organ Transplantation	Award of Merit
Interactive
Alexander Young	Twin-Twin Training Simulator: an interactive 3D surgical tool for teaching fetoscopic laster ablation to treat TTTS	Award of Excellence

 

 

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.  Please enjoy these online galleries.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award Cynthia Turner Flora Ralph Sweet Award Amy Zhong Blepharoplasty Teacher Ralph Sweet Award XVIVO Scientific Animation Dental Biofilm, Dysbiosis & Disease New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial Ryan Kissinger The Physiology of a Mosquito Bite Award of Merit Natalie Koscal Autologous Complete Tracheal Replacement in a 12-Year-Old Girl Award of Merit Amy Zhong Blepharoplasty Teacher Award of Excellence Didactic/Instructional: Commercial Amy D'Camp Duodenal Ulcers and Surrounding Anatomy Award of Merit Kari Opert External ventricular drainage device Award of Merit AXS Studio Inc. Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP) Poster Brochure Award of Merit Editorial Satyen Tripathi Real. Genuine. Heart. Award of Merit Peter Lawrence Controversies in Skull Base Surgery Award of Excellence Ian Suk Pulsatile Glymphatic Transport Award of Excellence Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Wayne Heim Spine Augmentation for Treatment of Scoliosis Award of Merit 1-mu studio Metaphoric Overview of Venous Disease and Therapeutic Strategies Award of Excellence Cynthia Turner Flora Award of Excellence Medical-Legal Jennifer Darcy John Doe’s Left Hand Amputation and Crush Injuries Award of Excellence Jennifer Darcy Mechanism of Injury and Resulting Right Leg Crush Injuries Award of Merit Artery Studios Inc. Robotic-assisted partial nephrectomy surgery – John Doe Award of Merit Philip Mattes Chemical Neurolysis Versus Radiofrequency Ablation of the Intercostal Nerve Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Traditionally Printed Book) Levent Efe Facial Volumization - An anatomic approach Award of Merit Yana Hammond A Patient's Guide to Bladder Cancer Award of Excellence Heidi Richter Hockey Anatomy Award of Excellence Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial  Lydia Gregg Lyme Disease: Infection, Immune System Evasion & Progression Award of Excellence Paul Kelly Whipple procedure with multivisceral resections and vascular reconstruction Award of Merit Tziporah Thompson About Your Transsphenoidal Surgery Award of Merit Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Nucleus Medical Media Enabling Delivery of Life Changing Medicines Award of Merit INVIVO Communications Wet AMD: Mechanism of Disease Animation Award of Merit INVIVO Communications Immunotherapy Patient Animation Award of Merit INVIVO Communications Brentuximab Vedotin-Nivolumab (BV-Nivo) MOA Animation Award of Merit Animation: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional INVIVO Communications The Science of Giving Award of Excellence Animation: Medical-Legal MediVisuals, Inc. Cervical Spine Injures, Gardner Wells Tongs Placement, Cervical Decompression and Fusion Award of Excellence High Impact Mechanism of Injury: C5 Tetraplegia after Shallow Dive Award of Excellence Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial  MediVisuals, Inc. Traumatic Brain Injury Digital Interactive Interface Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial XVIVO Scientific Animation Dental Biofilm, Dysbiosis & Disease Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products Alissa Eckert 3d Printed Gastroschisis Infant Award of Merit Marcelo Oliver Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Model Award of Merit Elizabeth Weissbrod Medical Moulage Temporary Tattoos Award of Excellence       STUDENT CATEGORIES   Student Best of Show Lisa Qiu Novel HIV Vaccine Research and Development New Media Best of Show Felix Donghwi Son Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease New Media Best of Show Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological   Zachary Kevorkian The Pediatric Inguinal Canal/Descent of the Testes and Cryptorchidism Award of Merit Felix Donghwi Son Chronic Rheumatic Heart Disease Award of Excellence Morgan Summerlin Pathway of the Greater Petrosal Nerve Award of Excellence Colleen Tang Poy Unboxing the Bitterness: A Graphic Memoir Award of Merit Jenny Wang Fornix and Related Structures Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures Weston DeWolff Radical Nephrectomy, Subcostal Approach Award of Excellence Katharine Thompson Baerveldt Aqueous Shunt Insertion Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences   Amy Cao Biomimicry: Mimicking the Masters Award of Excellence Aaron Cole Combating Insulin Deficiency in Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 Award of Excellence Camille Kowalski White Nose Syndrome Award of Merit Avesta Rastan The Cancer Paradox Award of Merit Jamie Peterson Life Cycle of the Shield Shrimp Award of Merit Editorial   William Guzman, Jr. Nutty Noggin Award of Excellence Shirley Long Using Light to Probe the Microscopic Award of Merit Jamie Peterson Scent of Life Award of Merit Felix Donghwi Son Virocop Award of Excellence Alexander Young Lab Grown, Farm Fresh: Inside the Quest to bring lab-to-table and create slaughter-free meat Award of Excellence Animation Dani Bergey Transcription in Myc-Related Cancers Award of Excellence Dani Bergey HiVolt: A Rapid HIV Viral Load Test Award of Merit Alisa Brandt Morphology of Memory: The Anatomy of the Human Hippocampus Award of Merit Cecilia Johnson In Vitro Fertilization – What Happens in the Lab? Award of Merit Lucas Lin Deciphering Fossils with Ecomorphology Award of Excellence Lisa Qiu Novel HIV Vaccine Research and Development Award of Excellence Alexia Schill '3D Printing a Chemo Sponge' Award of Merit Interactive   Natividad Chen Kinundrum: a problem-based multimedia learning application for undergraduate kinesiology education Award of Excellence Aimee Choi 3D Interactive Surgical Module on Orthognathic Osteotomies Award of Merit Yue Liu An Interactive Website on Interpreting Adenovirus Transcription Map Award of Merit

 

 

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.  Please enjoy these online galleries.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award Natalie Koscal Cardiac Anatomy of 22-Month-Old Conjoined Twins with Complex Congenital Heart Disease Ralph Sweet Award Elizabeth Nixon-Shapiro, Amanda Behr, and Michael Jensen Xytex Presents: Specimen Collection and Processing New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial Alison Burke Bioinspired Slug-Slime Adhesive Patch Award of Merit Natalie Koscal Cardiac Anatomy of 22-Month-Old Conjoined Twins with Complex Congenital Heart Disease Award of Merit Peter Lawrence Lateral Approaches to the Lumbar Spine: Relevant Surgical Anatomy Award of Merit Editorial Lydia Gregg Gross and Histological Appearance of Endometriotic Lesions Award of Excellence AXS Studio Inc. Life Support for Livers Award of Excellence Todd Buck Stimulant and Designer Drug Use Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Radius Digital Science Novartis Pipeline Compounds: Style Guide and Illustrations Award of Excellence Thomas Nowacki Aortic Valve No Exchange Catheter (AVNEC) Award of Merit Medical-Legal Philip Mattes and Paul Gross Right Knee Injuries Award of Excellence Hardy Fowler Dog Bite Injuries Award of Merit Artery Studios Inc. Injury to left foot – John Smith Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Traditionally Printed Book) Jennifer Fairman and Corinne Sandone Atlas of Minimally Invasive Surgical Operations Award of Excellence Michael King Mayo Clinic Principles of Shoulder Surgery Award of Merit Cassio Lynm Lymphedema: Complete Medical and Surgical Management Award of Merit Mark Miller Lateral Skull Base Surgery. The House Clinic Atlas Award of Merit Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial  Jeff Day Antibiotics vs. Bacteria: Fighting the Resistance Award of Excellence Paul Kelly Hepatic Artery Aneurysm – Resection and Hepatic Artery Reconstruction Award of Excellence AXS Studio Inc. Animations created for The Gene Doctors Award of Excellence Jeff Day Cholesterol Good and Bad Award of Merit INVIVO Communications Inc. The Science of Malaria Award of Merit Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Elizabeth Nixon-Shapiro, Amanda Behr, and Michael Jensen Xytex Presents: Specimen Collection and Processing Award of Excellence Nucleus Medical Media Anabasum: Mechanism of Action Award of Merit Animation: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Radius Digital Science YONDELIS®: A Guide to Your 24-Hour Outpatient Infusion Experience Award of Excellence Scientific Animations Ellex- ABiC with iTrack Award of Excellence Radius Digital Science Understanding ADPKD Award of Merit Animation: Medical-Legal High Impact, Inc. Cinematic Summary of Injuries: Gunshot Award of Excellence MediVisuals, Inc. Administration of Calcium Phosphate (CaP) Bone Cement into Blood Stream Award of Excellence High Impact, Inc. Gamma Knife: Radiated Optic Tract & Hypothalamus Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial  HHMI BioInteractive & AXS Studio CRISPR-Cas9: Mechanism & Applications Award of Excellence Alexis Ennis E-Guide for Physical Diagnosis - the Pelvic and Breast Exam Award of Excellence High Impact, Inc. Digital Injury Summary of Jane Doe Award of Excellence Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial High Impact, Inc. Simulated Vision Impairment Award of Excellence Interactive Media: Gaming AXS Studio Inc. Guardians of the Genome Award of Merit Interactive Media: Interactive Textbook Ron Boisvert Introduction to Human Anatomy iBook Award of Merit Michael Konomos Basic Science Breakthroughs: Fragile X Syndrome Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products Sarah Samaroo Progression of Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease Over Time Award of Excellence Wes Price Equine Phalanges: A Comparison of 3D Capture Methods Award of Merit       STUDENT CATEGORIES   Student Best of Show Lisa Qiu Tomorrow's Perfect Humans Orville Parkes Best of Show Amanda Slade Resurrecting an Ancient Bite: Virtual Chewing Model Sheds Light on one of the Earliest Primates New Media Best of Show Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological   Aileen Lin False Alarm: Having a Panic Attack Award of Excellence Chelsea Canlas Pathology of Oral Herpes Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures Elizabeth DePace Pig Ovariohysterectomy Award of Excellence Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences   Cecilia Johnson Alatinidae Box Jellyfish: Known Life Stages and Anatomy Award of Merit Felix Donghwi Son ATR-inhibitor: A Novel Approach to Targeting the Achilles' Heel of Cancer Award of Merit Felix Donghwi Son Quantification of Cellular Organelle Size Award of Merit Editorial   Cecilia Johnson Piecing Together Ancient Migration Award of Excellence Andrea Lam Ladybugs & Satellite Design: Folding for Outer Space Award of Excellence Lisa Qiu Tomorrow's Perfect Humans Award of Excellence Lucas Lin Automated Robotic Surgery Award of Merit Amanda Miller Pigeons as Pathologists? Award of Merit Natalie Yoshioka Beyond Consent Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Shawna Snyder Ahmed Glaucoma Valve: Concept for Trade Show Booth Display Award of Excellence Danielle VanBrabant Myocardial Infarction: The Role of Anti-Platelet Aggregation Treatment Award of Merit Animation Alisa Brandt How a Bruise Forms Award of Excellence Natividad Chen Medical Genomics: from Research to Patient Care Award of Excellence Stephanie O’Neil The HDL Gold Nanoparticle and a Potential Therapy in B cell Lymphoma Award of Excellence Lauren Huff Adoptive Cell Transfer: A New Type of Cancer Immunotherapy Award of Merit Jung Hee Lee Visual Communication Strategies for Study Participant Recruitment: “What is Drugs in Lactation Analysis Consortium (DLAC)?” Award of Merit Interactive   Amanda Slade Resurrecting an Ancient Bite: Virtual Chewing Model Sheds Light on one of the Earliest Primates Award of Excellence Liza Knipscher Opsonization Award of Merit

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.  Please enjoy these online galleries.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award David Cheney Arm Orthosis Ralph Sweet Award Amanda Behr and Michael Jensen Infertility Treatments New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial David Cheney Rat Facial Nerve Surgery Award of Merit Scott Weldon Minimally-invasive Modified Nicks Procedure for the Repair of a Small Aortic Root Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional: Commercial   Amy D'Camp Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Award of Merit Editorial   Peter Lawrence Surgery of the Brainstem Award of Excellence Edmond Alexander Membrane Destruction Award of Merit Valerie Altounian Synthetic Chromosomes Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Nick Klein and Andrew Swift Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease Award of Excellence David Cheney Arm Orthosis Award of Merit Nathaniel Klein Detecting Protein Interactions with High Affinity Bioluminescent Reporter Assays Award of Merit Cynthia Turner Platelet-stimulating Agents Award of Merit Medical-Legal   Cognition Studio, Inc. Scarring Down and Obliteration of the Distal Urethra Award of Excellence Philip Mattes Right Ankle Injuries, Lateral View Award of Excellence MediVisuals, Inc. Mechanism of Dog Bite Injury to Ear Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Book)  Kristen Larson Keil, Mark Schornak, Jennifer Darcy, and Peter Lawrence Color Atlas of Brainstem Surgery Award of Excellence Jennifer Darcy and Brenda L. Bunch Secondary Rhinoplasty by the Global Masters Award of Merit Animation:Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   INVIVO Communications "How Diabetes Changes Over Time" Award of Excellence Nucles Medical Media CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing fo Cystic Fibrosis Award of Merit Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial INVIVO Communications Investigating ribociclib as a potential breast cancer treatment Award of Excellence iSO-FORM Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease Award of Merit AXS Studio Inc. Secondary Hyperparathyroidism: Effects on bone turnover and parathyroid glands Award of Merit Animation: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Amanda Behr and Michael Jensen Infertility Treatments Award of Excellence Cognition Studio, Inc. MRD and the colonSEQ Assay Award of Merit Ghost Productions Micromedicine Microfluidics Technology Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   Fabian De Kok-Mercado Virus Explorer Award of Excellence/td> Albert Fung TVA Surg VR Surgical Anatomy Award of Excellence Andy Matlock Lung Cancer Preoperative Planning Award of Merit Daniel Muller, Scott Williams, and Scott Leighton Neoplastic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Argosy Publishing/Visible Bodyd Human Anatomy Atlas 2017 Edition Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products  Jackie Meyer Understanding Myelofibrosis Award of Excellence Laura Roy Pediatric Cardiac 3D-Printed Teaching Models Award of Merit       STUDENT CATEGORIES   Student Best of Show Shawna Snyder Vasculature of the Uterus Orville Parkes Best of Show Sam Holmes Encoding Nature's Chemicals New Media Best of Show Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological   Lauren Rakes M1 and M2 Segments of the Middle Cerebral Artery Award of Excellence Shawna Snyder Vasculature of the Uterus Award of Excellence Eleanor Bailey Infantile Hemangioma Award of Merit Mark Belan Periodontitis Award of Merit Judy Rubin Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures   Julia Lerner Penetrating Keratoplasty Award of Excellence Jerry Gu Resection of the parasagittal meningioma with preservation of venous lake Award of Merit Nicholas Reback Surgical Removal of a Carotid Body Tumor Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences   Lisa Qiu Photoswitchable proteins Award of Excellence Amanda Miller Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides Award of Merit Amanda Miller Western Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) Award of Merit Hillary Wilson Bower Construction of the Fawn-Breasted Bowerbird Award of Merit Editorial   Lisa Knipscher Heart Work Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Christina Pecora The Line Up: Signs and Symptoms of What's Buggin' Your Belly Award of Merit Animation   Sam Holmes Encoding Nature's Chemicals Award of Excellence Tianxing Shi Comprehensive antibody profiling using Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) Award of Excellence Wendy Gu Imaging Neuropathic Pain Award of Merit Adam Zunder Rethinking Cancer Award of Merit Interactive   Geoff Fraser Muskel: An Interactive Application for Learning Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy Award of Excellence Tiffany Raber Color Blindness Simulation: A Virtual Reality Experience Award of Excellence Kelly Speck Trans Primary Care Guide Award of Merit

 

 

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.  Please enjoy these online galleries.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award David Cheney Arm Orthosis Ralph Sweet Award Amanda Behr and Michael Jensen Infertility Treatments New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial David Cheney Rat Facial Nerve Surgery Award of Merit Scott Weldon Minimally-invasive Modified Nicks Procedure for the Repair of a Small Aortic Root Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional: Commercial   Amy D'Camp Prokaryotic vs. Eukaryotic Cells Award of Merit Editorial   Peter Lawrence Surgery of the Brainstem Award of Excellence Edmond Alexander Membrane Destruction Award of Merit Valerie Altounian Synthetic Chromosomes Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Nick Klein and Andrew Swift Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease Award of Excellence David Cheney Arm Orthosis Award of Merit Nathaniel Klein Detecting Protein Interactions with High Affinity Bioluminescent Reporter Assays Award of Merit Cynthia Turner Platelet-stimulating Agents Award of Merit Medical-Legal   Cognition Studio, Inc. Scarring Down and Obliteration of the Distal Urethra Award of Excellence Philip Mattes Right Ankle Injuries, Lateral View Award of Excellence MediVisuals, Inc. Mechanism of Dog Bite Injury to Ear Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Book)  Kristen Larson Keil, Mark Schornak, Jennifer Darcy, and Peter Lawrence Color Atlas of Brainstem Surgery Award of Excellence Jennifer Darcy and Brenda L. Bunch Secondary Rhinoplasty by the Global Masters Award of Merit Animation:Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   INVIVO Communications "How Diabetes Changes Over Time" Award of Excellence Nucleus Medical Media CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing fo Cystic Fibrosis Award of Merit Animation: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial INVIVO Communications Investigating ribociclib as a potential breast cancer treatment Award of Excellence iSO-FORM Nontuberculous Mycobacteria (NTM) Lung Disease Award of Merit Animation: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Amanda Behr and Michael Jensen Infertility Treatments Award of Excellence Cognition Studio, Inc. MRD and the colonSEQ Assay Award of Merit Ghost Productions Micromedicine Microfluidics Technology Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   Fabian De Kok-Mercado Virus Explorer Award of Excellence/td> Albert Fung TVA Surg VR Surgical Anatomy Award of Excellence Andy Matlock Lung Cancer Preoperative Planning Award of Merit Daniel Muller, Scott Williams, and Scott Leighton Neoplastic Epidural Spinal Cord Compression Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Argosy Publishing/Visible Bodyd Human Anatomy Atlas 2017 Edition Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products  Jackie Meyer Understanding Myelofibrosis Award of Excellence Laura Roy Pediatric Cardiac 3D-Printed Teaching Models Award of Merit       STUDENT CATEGORIES   Student Best of Show Shawna Snyder Vasculature of the Uterus Orville Parkes Best of Show Sam Holmes Encoding Nature's Chemicals New Media Best of Show Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological   Lauren Rakes M1 and M2 Segments of the Middle Cerebral Artery Award of Excellence Shawna Snyder Vasculature of the Uterus Award of Excellence Eleanor Bailey Infantile Hemangioma Award of Merit Mark Belan Periodontitis Award of Merit Judy Rubin Splenic Marginal Zone Lymphoma Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures   Julia Lerner Penetrating Keratoplasty Award of Excellence Jerry Gu Resection of the parasagittal meningioma with preservation of venous lake Award of Merit Nicholas Reback Surgical Removal of a Carotid Body Tumor Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences   Lisa Qiu Photoswitchable proteins Award of Excellence Amanda Miller Treating Diabetic Foot Ulcers with Cationic Antimicrobial Peptides Award of Merit Amanda Miller Western Spruce Budworm (Choristoneura occidentalis Freeman) Award of Merit Hillary Wilson Bower Construction of the Fawn-Breasted Bowerbird Award of Merit Editorial   Lisa Knipscher Heart Work Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Christina Pecora The Line Up: Signs and Symptoms of What's Buggin' Your Belly Award of Merit Animation   Sam Holmes Encoding Nature's Chemicals Award of Excellence Tianxing Shi Comprehensive antibody profiling using Phage ImmunoPrecipitation Sequencing (PhIP-Seq) Award of Excellence Wendy Gu Imaging Neuropathic Pain Award of Merit Adam Zunder Rethinking Cancer Award of Merit Interactive   Geoff Fraser Muskel: An Interactive Application for Learning Functional Musculoskeletal Anatomy Award of Excellence Tiffany Raber Color Blindness Simulation: A Virtual Reality Experience Award of Excellence Kelly Speck Trans Primary Care Guide Award of Merit

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here .

Please enjoy these online galleries!

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award Jennifer Fairman Z-Ring Stabilization and Constriction Rate Modulation of the ZapA-ZapB-MatP Protein Network Ralph Sweet Award Edmond Alexander Bispecific Monoclonal Antibody Ralph Sweet Award Joe Samson AR Heart New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial   Elizabeth Nixon-Shapiro The Renin-Angiotensin System Award of Excellence Lydia Gregg Causes of ischemia and stroke in the lower thoracic and lumbar spinal cord Award of Merit Steve Moon Comparative Gross Anatomic Pathology of Common Organ Tumors Award of Merit Ian Suk Sacral Osteotomy to Correct Pelvic Incidence Angle Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional: Commercial   Andrew Swift Lymphoma Award of Excellence Mica Duran MatriStem Anterior Repair — Surgical Technique Guide Award of Merit Cassio Lynm Burn Award of Merit Editorial   AXS Studio Inc. Nature Cover: Postive ID Award of Excellence Todd Buck Update on Routine Childhood and Adolescent Immunizations Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Nathaniel Klein Antibody Conjugated Superparamagnetic Magnitite Nanoparticles in the High-Resolution Identification of Small Tumors Award of Excellence Edmond Alexander Bispecific Monoclonal Antibody Award of Merit Fran Milner Shingles Award of Merit Cynthia Turner Bone Marrow Award of Merit Medical-Legal   Michael Havranek John Doe's Brain Injuries Award of Excellence Jennifer Darcy John Doe's Facial Trauma and Resulting Surgery Award of Merit Artery Studios Inc. Left Upper Limb Wound Closure – Johan Schmidt Award of Merit Hardy Fowler Development of Forehead Flap to Cover Nasal Tip Defect Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Book)  Levent Efe Chest Surgery Award of Excellence Tim Phelps Dance Science: Anatomy, Movement Analysis, Conditioning Award of Merit vimeo:Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   Fabian de Kok-Mercado Coral Bleaching: A Breakdown of Symbiosis Award of Excellence Elizabeth McDonald, Mary Beth Clough, and Hoc Kho Active Transport Award of Merit The Toronto Video Atlas of Liver, Pancreas and Transplant Surgery Whipple:SMA and SMV Resection and Reconstruction Award of Merit vimeo: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Radius Digital Science ABILIFY MAINTENA® Dual Chamber Syringe – Instructions for Use vimeo Award of Excellence Radius Digital Science Arginine Vasopressin and Hyponatremia Award of Merit Radius Digital Science Soft Tissue Sarcoma: A Diagnostic & Treatment Overview vimeo Award of Merit Radius Digital Science Constella (linaclotide) for the Treatment of IBS-C and CIC in adults Award of Merit vimeo: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Radius Digital Science ELOCTATE™ Fc Fusion vimeo Award of Excellence Radius Digital Science RenLane™ Renal Denervation System vimeo Award of Excellence AXS Studio Inc. The i-STAT System Award of Excellence Stephen Boyd and Heidi Sinsel VERASENSE Sensor-Assisted TKA Award of Merit Cognition Studio, Inc. The Power of Immunosequencing Award of Merit vimeo: Medical-Legal   Artery Studio Inc. Jaw Dysfunction - James Johnson Award of Merit MediVisuals Inc. Constrained Liner Hip Prosthesis: Device Failure Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial   Radius Digital Science NEXAVAR® Interactive Case Profile App Award of Merit AXS Studio Inc. Psoriatic Arthritis Simulator Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial Yana Hammond BCG Treatment for Bladder Cancer App Award of Excellence iSO-FORM, LLC Diabetic Macular Edema: Treatment Overview CME Activity Award of Merit Kimberly M. Knoper, Alison E. Burke, Daniel Muller, Lori Messenger, and Scott Williams Ebola Virus Disease — Current Knowledge Award of Merit Interactive Media: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional AXS Studio Inc. calendAR Award of Excellence Interactive Media: Interactive Textbook Digizyme Inc. E.O. Wilson's Life on Earth Award of Excellence Tasha Obrin From Glucose to ATP: With and Without Oxygen Award of Excellence Ellen Davis Understanding Heartworm Disease & Treatment: A Veterinary Guide Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products  Heidi Schlehlein Gout Model Award of Merit

 

STUDENT CATEGORIES

Student Best of Show
Wai-Man Chan	The Trapping Mechanism of the Common Bladderwort	Orville Parkes Best of Show
Andrew Tubelli	A Molecular Journey through Space and Time	New Media Best of Show
Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological
Emily Ling	Bronchial Tree: Primary to Secondary Branches	Award of Excellence
Kateryna Procunier	Glaucoma	Award of Excellence
Qingyang Chen	Retinitis Pigmentosa	Award of Merit
Ashley Hui	The Pathology of Diphtheria	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures
I-Hsun Wu	Pterional Craniotomy for Clinoidal Meningioma	Award of Excellence
Chi-Chun Liu and Qingyang Chen	Medical Legal Elbow Personal Injury Board - The Case of Jessie Jack	Award of Merit
Rose Perry	Lateral Rectus Recession without adjustable sutures	Award of Merit
Mesa Schumacher	Aortic Valve Replacement	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences
Wai-Man Chan	The Trapping Mechanism of the Common Bladderwort	Award of Excellence
Naveen Devasagayam	Visualizing a Crowded Human Cell	Award of Merit
Diana Grossi	Beak Adaptations: A Comparison of Four Diverse Species	Award of Merit
Madeline Newcomb	PCR and Gel Electrophoresis - Protocol Poster	Award of Merit
Editorial
Jacqueline Kustan	VATS Right Lower Lobectomy	Award of Excellence
Wai-Man Chan	Wounds of War	Award of Merit
Caitlin Mock	Can Crows Outsmart You?	Award of Merit
Kelly Speck	SPIN TO RECOVERY: 3D-Printed Spider Silk in Nerve Regeneration	Award of Merit
Advertising and Marketing/Promotional
Josh Klein	Glaucoma	Award of Merit
vimeo
Andrew Tubelli	A Molecular Journey through Space and Time	Award of Excellence
Jeff Day	The Frog in Your Back	Award of Merit
Jerry Won	Introduction to T cells	Award of Merit
Interactive
Lauren Halligan	Clinical Anatomy of the Brainstem	Award of Excellence
Megan Llewellyn	How Vaccines Work! A Comic	Award of Excellence

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here .

Please enjoy these online galleries!

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

 

PROFESSIONAL CATEGORIES

Member's Choice Award Roy Schneider and Tonya Floyd-Bradstock Wall Repair Ralph Sweet Award  AXS Studio Inc. Chick embryo development: 21 days to hatching New Media Didactic/Instructional: Non-Commercial   Fabian de Kok-Mercado Genetic Mutations and Disease Award of Merit Michael King Closure of Paramembranous Ventricular Septal Defect Award of Merit Ian Suk All-posterior en bloc resection of large cervical tumor Award of Merit Didactic/Instructional: Commercial   AXS Studio Inc. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) Award of Merit Editorial   Cynthia Turner Diabetic Glomerulus Award of Excellence Alison Burke and Cassio Lynm Genomics Award of Merit Lydia Gregg Future Directions and Current Understanding of Moyamoya Disease Award of Merit Advertising and Marketing/Promotional   Edmond Alexander Cell Mural Award of Merit Kip Carter Feed Induced Laminitis Award of Merit Roy Schneider and Tonya Floyd-Bradstock Wall Repair Award of Merit Medical-Legal   Lindsay Coulter Multiple Traumatic Injuries, Industrial Accident Award of Excellence Jennifer Darcy Summary of Jane Doe’s Injuries Award of Excellence Megan Gullotto Pharyngeal Tumor Removal with Hemimandibulectomy, Maxillectomy, and Reconstruction Award of Excellence Aimee Cammilleri Jane Doe’s 12/16/11 Right Hand Tenolysis Surgery Award of Merit Artery Studios Overview of injury complications: David Jones Award of Merit Illustrated Text (Book)  Kenneth Probst Seven AVMs: Tenets and Techniques for Resection Award of Excellence Corinne Sandone Atlas of Gastrointestinal Surgery, vol 2, 2nd ed. Award of Merit vimeo:Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   AXS Studio Inc. Chick embryo development: 21 days to hatching Award of Excellence Nobles Green II Robotic Myomectomy Award of Merit vimeo: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial Kelvin Li, Leslie Leonard and Elizabeth McDonald Plasmajet Award of Excellence INVIVO Communications The Science of Biosimilars Award of Merit vimeo: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional Erin Frederikson and Elizabeth McDonald BD Vystra Disposable Pen Award of Excellence Nucleus Medical Media Custom Animated Patient Education: Mitral Valve Prolapse Award of Merit vimeo: Medical-Legal   Artery Studio Inc. Right Knee Impact - Jane Doe Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Non-Commercial   Kate Campbell Canada’s Great Bear: One Place, Three Stories Award of Merit Interactive Media: Didactic/Instructional – Commercial iSO-FORM, LLC BoneBox™ - Dental Award of Excellence Michael Konomos and Andy Matlock Surgical Anatomy of the Liver Award of Excellence One World DMG Inguinal Hernia App Award of Merit Interactive Media: Advertising and Marketing/Promotional One World DMG Endo GIA™ Radial Reload with Tri-Staple™ Technology App Award of Excellence Interactive Media: Gaming Argosy Publishing My Incredible Body Award of Merit Interactive Media: Interactive Textbook William McAbee and Brad Gilleland The Equine Tarsus Award of Merit Simulators, Prosthetics and Sculptural Products  Mimic Technologies dV-Trainer - Hydra System Charlotte Holt Award of Excellence H. Jin Yoon DePuy Synthes Anterior Approach Hip Model Award of Merit

 

STUDENT CATEGORIES

Student Best of Show
Kateryna Procunier	The Clinical Significance of the Formation and Growth of a Vestibular Schwannoma	Orville Parkes Best of Show
Tasha Obrin	The Role of Liver Biochemistry in Blood Tests and Veterinary Medicine	New Media Best of Show
Didactic/Instructional – Anatomical/Pathological
Kateryna Procunier	The Clinical Significance of the Formation and Growth of a Vestibular Schwannoma	Award of Excellence
Man-San Ma	Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva	Award of Merit
Christopher Smith	Comparison of Head Musculature in Normal and Trisomy 18 Cyclopia Human Fetuses	Award of Merit
I-Hsun Wu	Segments of the Maxillary Artery	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional – Surgical/Clinical Procedures
Christopher Smith	Convexity Meningioma Removal	Award of Excellence
Jacqueline Meyer	Ventral Incisional Hernia Repair	Award of Merit
Didactic/Instructional – Molecular/Biological/Life Sciences
Jeff Day	Perching Adaptations in Passerines	Award of Excellence
Qingyang Chen	Development of intrathecal ectopic lymphoid follicles in secondary progressive multiple sclerosis	Award of Merit
Jacqueline Kustan	Feeding Behavior of the Pacific Mole Crab	Award of Merit
Editorial
Natalie Cormier	Cancer-Curing Frogs	Award of Excellence
Dorothy Fatunmbi	The Painter’s Hand	Award of Merit
Mesa Schumacher	The Neutrino’s Secrets	Award of Merit
Advertising and Marketing/Promotional
Jerusha Ellis	Taking Care of My Body and Mind: a guide to Canadian mental health services for women living with HIV	Award of Excellence
Megan Kirkland	Super Doctor Man — A Patient Information Comic	Award of Merit
vimeo
Emily Hromi	Solving the Mystery of Stuttering	Award of Excellence
Stuart Jantzen	Recording the Illuminated Neuron	Award of Excellence
Cari Jones	Visualizing Adaptations in the Woodpecker Skull Which Confer Traumatic Brain Injury Resistance	Award of Merit
Interactive
Tasha Obrin	The Role of Liver Biochemistry in Blood Tests and Veterinary Medicine	Award of Excellence
Katelyn McDonald	UnderstandSCI	Award of Merit
Brendan Polley	Form & Function 3D	Award of Merit
Andrew Tubelli	Taxonomic Biodiversity in Large Zoological Institutions	Award of Merit

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces from the most recent annual AMI Salon, exhibited in Salt Lake City in July of 2013. 

AMI members may exhibit work in the Professional or Student categories, which are further divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, advertising. 

You can choose to view all images or sort by illustration, vimeo or interactive media.

Please enjoy these online galleries! Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Be inspired by award-winning medical illustration, medical animation, and interactive applications.

Each year the AMI hosts a Media Exhibition (Salon) of creative and innovative works produced by members of the AMI. It is a showcase for the most recent achievements and advancements in medical visualization, prepared in a wide variety of media, all in one unified and impressive collection on display at the site of the Annual Meeting. Works are judged and awards granted to those that exemplify visual problem solving, content accuracy, creativity, technical execution, clarity, and audience appropriateness.

Medical Illustration Source Book

Here you’ll find searchable illustration portfolios, photography, and animations from professional artists — www.medillsb.com

"How can I become a medical illustrator?"

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.

Post a job

Potential employers and clients can post job announcements by clicking here. Job descriptions are emailed to our 800+ membership and posted in our online member community. The cost to post a job is $200.00. Please note: AMI members can post jobs free of charge.

Hire an expert

Search portfolios in illustration, photography, and animations from professional artists at medillsb.com. They have the scientific training and knowledge to understand your challenge, your choice of media and your audience.

 

Client Guide to working with a medical illustrator

You have something important to communicate. Whether it’s a new drug, device, procedure, or research—you need a unique image with which to educate and promote your discovery. Visualizing science and medicine is our business! Medical illustrators have the medical and scientific knowledge to grasp complex scientific information, parse it down, and transmit the essence in a succinct visual message that is accurate, educational, and beautiful.

Working with a medical illustrator and purchasing illustrations, animations, or multimedia may be a new experience for you. This guide of frequently asked questions will help you understand the creative process, pricing, licensing rights, and common business practices used in the industry. The collaborative process that takes place between you (the client) and the image creator (the medical illustrator) reflects a unique synergy where science and art truly meet.

 

Download a printable PDF of the Client Guide

Member Directory

You can access the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) online membership directory and search by specialty, state, and name. Many self-employed medical illustrators have their own websites where examples of their work can be seen.

Medical Illustration Source Book

Here you’ll find searchable illustration portfolios, photography, and animation clips from professional artists — www.medillsb.com

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces from the most recent annual AMI Salon, exhibited in Toronto in July of 2012. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is!

Click here to access a list of 2012 salon award winners.

AMI members may exhibit work in the Professional or Student categories, which are further divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, advertising. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.

You can choose to view all images or sort by illustration, vimeo or interactive media.

Please enjoy these online galleries!

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Read more ...

Board Certification Examination Information Bulletin

For in-depth information regarding the Board Certification Examination, see the Certification Examination Information Bulletin [pdf].

What is certification?

Certification is a program endorsed by the AMI to encourage lifelong learning and to measure professional competency for those illustrators and clients who voluntarily desire such credentialing. Similar to specialty certification for physicians, the competency evaluation consists of a written test and a practicum. The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI) objectively measures and evaluates the examination results and awards certification on successful completion. There is no relationship between certification and membership in the AMI.

Board certified medical illustrator

Any practicing medical illustrator who meets the eligibility requirements may apply to become board certified and obtain the designation Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI). The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI) is an independent body that administers this voluntary certification program designed to provide the practicing medical illustrator with the recognizable and valuable CMI credential. A CMI has successfully passed examinations in business practices, ethics, biomedical science, and drawing skills and has undergone a rigorous portfolio review. Please note however, the CMI credential is not necessary or required for a medical illustrator to be a skilled and successful practitioner.

Period of certification

Certification is for a five-year period.

AMI membership is not required

Certification must, under Federal Trade Commission regulations, be open to any qualified medical illustrator whether or not they are members of the AMI or any other professional society.

Standards applied

The certification program and its examination process are based on standards that are used by certification programs and licensing bodies in many diverse professions and occupations. These are the standards established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The NCCA was created in 1987 by ICE to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence.

Eligibility

You are only eligible to be an applicant for certification if (1) you have a degree from a recognized college/university program in medical illustration that includes a course in human gross anatomy with hands on dissection, proven by transcript; or (2) You have a minimum of five years full-time work experience as a medical illustrator substantiated by letters of reference from employers and proof of a college-level course in human gross anatomy with hands on dissection or its equivalent.

Applying to take the certification exam

A certification exam application, a certification notarization form and the exam fee must be submitted to the BCMI prior to taking the exam.

Certification exam

There are two parts to the examination.

• Part 1 is a written exam administered once a year at the site of AMI Annual meeting (and at other times and locations by prior arrangement with the Chair of the BCMI).
• Part 2 consists of an objectively measured portfolio review with some specific requirements in technique and subject matter. Instructions for Part II of the exam are supplied only after successful completion of Part I.

For more in-depth information, see the Certification Examination Information Bulletin [pdf].

Maintaining certification

The CMI credential may be renewed every 5 years by meeting continuing education requirements designed to maintain competencies required for practice. The competent practitioner performs work accurately and in the best interest of the consumer, makes correct judgments, and interacts with other professionals and customers effectively. Competence must be demonstrated and maintained throughout the individual's practicing life.

Renewing your CMI

Renewal of certification requires submission of a renewal application form, payment of a fee, and verification by AMI HQ that your required CEUs have been earned and properly recorded during the 5-year certification term. The CMI exam, in its entirety, must be taken again to regain CMI status if the appropriate number of CEUs is not earned during your 5-year term of certification. 

More info

For more information concerning certification please read the Certification Examination Information Bulletin [pdf] or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  

Application and Forms

Click here to access your account to complete the renewal form, add CE credits to your account, or request CE approval for an activity.

 

Printable versions
Notarization form

Or contact AMI Headquarters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces exhibited in the most recent annual AMI Salon. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! The full list of the salon award winners is below.

All AMI members may exhibit work as Professional members or as Student members. The entries are divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, and advertising, etc. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here .

Please enjoy these online galleries!

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces from the most recent annual AMI Salon, exhibited in Baltimore in July of 2011. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is! Click here to access a list of 2011 salon award winners.

AMI members may exhibit work in the Professional or Student categories, which are further divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, advertising. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.

Please enjoy these online galleries! Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Read more ...

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces from the most recent annual AMI Salon, exhibited in Portland in July of 2010. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is!

AMI members may exhibit work in the Professional or Student categories, which are further divided into categories such as instructional, editorial, advertising. A full listing and descriptions of the categories is available here.

Please enjoy these online galleries! Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Read more ...

Approved CMI Continuing Education Hours

A list of approved activities can be found by logging into the AMI HUB, clicking “my AMI” in the menu bar, and selecting Continuing Education. All approved activities and courses will be displayed in the “Upcoming Courses” list.

Recommended online CE Credit opportunities

For AMI members, the live webinars organized by the Online Learning Committee are recommended for CE credits.
https://hub.ami.org/online-education/webinar-announcement

Cleveland Clinic’s Center for Continuing Education is recommended for biomedical CE credits.
http://www.clevelandclinicmeded.com/

Harvard Medical School online courses are recommended for biomedical CE credits.
https://globalacademy.hms.harvard.edu/

Medscape CME activities at least 30 minutes long are recommended for biomedical CE credits.
https://www.medscape.org/multispecialty

Live webinars from Science/AAAS are recommended for biomedical CE credits.
https://www.sciencemag.org/custom-publishing/webinars

UpToDate.com is recommended for biomedical CE credits.
http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html

Yale Online Continuing Medical Education (CME) courses are recommended for biomedical CE credits.
http://cme.yale.edu/

LinkedIn Learning is recommended for Art CE credits.
https://www.linkedin.com/learning

PluralSight.com is recommended for Art CE credits.
https://www.pluralsight.com/browse/creative-professional

The S-P-A-R-K course is recommended for Art CE credits.
https://www.pictureasportal.com/courses/five-strategies-for-the-visual-communication-of-science

A course aggregator may help you find relevant activities, such as https://www.emedevents.com/ or https://www.classcentral.com/

Any activities not already displayed in the “Education Opportunities” list must be submitted for review using a CE Eligibility Application. After attending any approved continuing education activity you must log your activity in CETL within 30 days to avoid forfeiting your hours.

There are many online classes available in biomedical sciences, art or business that have not been submitted for approval. If you see something that teaches you what you need, feel free to submit an Eligibility Application and the committee will review it.

Generally speaking, if you find a qualified presenter with a prepared lecture at least 30 minutes long on a relevant topic, with a period for question and answer, chances are it will be eligible for CE hours.

 

Lifelong Learning with Continuing Education

The AMI encourages lifelong learning to ensure professional knowledge and practice for medical illustrators and animators throughout their career. Board Certified Medical Illustrators (CMI) maintain their status by attending approved continuing education courses within a five year period.

See a list of recommended CE courses.

The AMI uses a fully automated system for the submission of requests for Continuing Education (CE) activity approvals and CE credits. You can access all items related to CE and approval of CE activities by clicking here and logging in with your AMI account credentials. 

Requesting CE Activity Approval

To seek approval for education activities such as workshops, courses, or programs not previously approved, log in to your account via the link noted above, and utilize the "CE Eligibility Application". This will generate a request to the CE committee for review and approval. If the activity is approved you will receive an email notification and the activity will appear on the "Education Opportunities" list.

PLEASE NOTE: To avoid disappointment and expense, the activity approval form should be submitted prior to participating in the continuing education activity. If this form is submitted later than 30 days after the activity is completed, CE credit will not be awarded.

Adding CE Credit To Your Account

To add new CE credits to your account, log in to your account at the link above and navigate to the "Certified Medical Illustrator Renewal" option and then click on "Continuing Education". Choose the category of credit you would like to add credit for. Then, from the "Education Opportunities" area you can submit hours for the courses listed. 

PLEASE NOTE: This verification form MUST be submitted within 30 days of completing your activity, or no CE credit will be awarded. The activity is automatically removed from the approved list 30 days after the end date of the activity.

You can view your CE credit record by logging in to your account and clicking on "Certified Medical Illustrator Renewal". For a full FAQ on how to utilize the CE tracking system - click here.

Requirements for maintaining CMI status

Over the 5-year certification period, a total of 35 hours of continuing education (CE) is required to maintain and renew Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI) Status.

The CMI exam, in its entirety, must be taken again to regain CMI status if the appropriate number of CEUs is not earned during the 5-year term of certification.

What are the categories and hour requirements for CE courses/workshops?

A total of 35 CE credit hours is required at the end of the 5-year certification period to retain CMI status.

Required categories:
Art: 14 hours minimum required (21 hours maximum)
Biomedical: 14 hours minimum required (21 hours maximum)

Optional categories:
Business: 7 hours is the maximum allowed Business & History combined (both are optional)
History:  7 hours is the maximum allowed for Business & History combined (both are optional)

 

How is CMI status maintained?

1. Begin acquiring the required 35 CE credit hours by finding courses to take either at the AMI meeting or elsewhere: colleges, universities, museums, hospitals, on line, commercial computer schools, etc. Designated courses and workshops given at the AMI, HeSCA and GNSI meetings are pre-approved for credit. Courses or workshops taken elsewhere require pre-approval for CE credit by the CE committee. For a full FAQ on how to utilize the CE tracking system - click here. 
   
   
2. Pre-approval of the CE session must be done before the course is taken. Approval is granted by the CE committee, not AMI HQ.
   
   
   1. Online
      Fill out the online CE Eligibility Application. This will automatically be emailed to the CE committee. You should receive emailed approval or non-approval from the CE committee chair within 2 weeks.
      
      
   If pre-approval is not obtained before taking the course, or within 30 days after the course - at the latest - NO CE CREDIT can be issued.
   
   
3. Take the pre-approved course.
   
   
4. After a course is completed, you must add the credit to your account online. You can access all items related to CE and approval of CE activities by clicking here and logging in with your AMI account credentials.
   
   
5. When the 5-year Certification period ends, you must renew your certification (demonstrating required CEUs) to avoid retaking the CMI exam.
   
   Renewal of certification requires completion of a renewal application form, payment of a fee, and verification by AMI HQ that your required CE credits have been earned and properly recorded during the 5-year certification term. The CMI exam, in its entirety, must be taken again to regain CMI status if the appropriate number of CEUs is not earned during your 5-year term of certification.
   
   
   1. Check your CE credit status (login by clicking here) online to ensure you have sufficient CE credit (in both required categories) to renew your certification.
      
      
   2. Complete the renewal process and submit the fee. AMI Headquarters will check your online database record to confirm sufficient CE hours have been earned in order to renew.
      
      
6. Start racking up another 35 hours!
   
   

What is the difference between the Continuing Education Committee and the Board of Certification?

The AMI Continuing Education Committee is charged with evaluating courses, workshops etc. given within the AMI meeting and elsewhere, and determine their relevance to the practice of medical illustration. Does that course have meaning and substance for a medical illustrator? Does the course satisfy the IACET criteria and guidelines for awarding CE credits? They recommend to the Board of Certification the required number of CE credit hours and course categories. The CE Committee deals with that five-year period between the time certification begins and the time to renew.

The Board of Certification manages the beginning and end of the certification process by administering the written test and portfolio review that get you certified, and by keeping track of the term expiration dates of certified AMI members. The Board of Certification is not an AMI committee, but an administratively and financially independent entity answering to the AMI Board of Governors on an information basis. The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators is a member of the National Organization for Competency Assurance (NOCA), which develops standards and accredits organizations that meet those standards. In turn, NOCA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), the only national accreditation body for private certification organizations in all disciplines. NOCA's members come from nearly all health professions that need to establish and maintain competency standards.

AMI Continuing Education Committee contacts

Kaitlin Lindsay, CE Committee Chair
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Courtney White, CE Committee Vice Chair
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Ryan Hallman, CE Committee member
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Adam Pellerite, CE Committee member
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Lori Messenger, CE Committee Member
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Anne Erickson, CMI, CE Committee member
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Jennifer Fairman, CMI, CE Committee member
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Carolyn Holmes, CMI, CE Committee member
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Julie Coats, CE Committee member
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Jessica Holland, CE Committee Member
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Rob Flewell, CE Committee Member
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Sigrid Knemeyer, CMI, CE Committee Member
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Application and Forms

Online versions

Certification Exam Application
CMI Login Page (existing CMI's)

 

 

These image galleries represent the best of medical illustration, medical animation, and interactive applications from Association of Medical Illustration members.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

Images in this gallery represent some of the award-winning pieces from the most recent annual AMI Salon, exhibited in Richmond in July of 2009. We hope it gives you a sense of what an extraordinary exhibit our annual Salon is!

Please enjoy these online galleries! Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a data-copyright violation.

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Illustrations in this gallery represent the work of several founding AMI members and other North American medical illustrators practicing prior to the establishment of our association.

The traditional media used in these classic illustrations include pencil, carbon dust, pen and ink, and watercolor. Many of these images are housed in archives of medical illustration in various institutions in the US and Canada.

Downloading or reusing the images from this site without written permission is a copyright violation.

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Medical illustration is an exciting career that communicates health and science concepts visually. The saying, 'a picture is worth a thousand words' is true. Medical illustrators tell visual stories, such as how to perform a surgery or how a virus works. Their images must be accurate because they have a job to do — teach. Acquiring the skills and knowledge for this career requires insight, talent, and especially education.

Finding an effective education path can seem daunting. The following information is designed to help explore options.

If you're looking to hire a medical illustrator click here.

Common Questions

Curriculum

Course work varies from program to program, but all include an advanced course in human anatomy with dissection and may include a combination of other biomedical science courses such as embryology, histology, neuroanatomy, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, physiology, pathology, immunology, pharmacology or genetics, along with specialized applied art courses such as surgical and/or medical-legal illustration. Other classes may include learning and instructional design, interactive media development, data visualization, molecular visualization, graphic medicine, 3-D modeling and animation, along with traditional drawing and computer applications.

Programs require master's thesis or research projects and may have optional courses available in specialty fields such as advanced interactive media studies, endoscopic illustration, or patient prosthetics.

Admissions

While all programs tend to have a common focus on art and science/biology, the admission requirements vary from program to program. In addition, a portfolio of artwork and an interview are required for applications to accredited graduate programs in Medical Illustration. Since admission requirements for these programs vary, please consult the school to which you are applying for specific requirements: Undergraduate | Graduate.

Post-graduate & Continuing Education Information

Currently four graduate medical illustration programs in North America are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation from the Accreditation Review Committee for the Medical Illustrator (ARC-MI). These programs are indicated with the CAAHEP logo (right). More information on this rigorous quality assurance system is available here.

In Europe, the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) runs a separate accreditation program. For an updated list of accredited European programs, visit the IMI education page.

Scholarships for graduate education may be available through the programs in medical illustration; please contact the programs directly.

Vesalius Trust

The Vesalius Trust for Visual Communication in the Health Sciences offers Research Grants and The Inez Demonet Scholarship each year to qualifying students. Applications for the scholarships are received and evaluated by the AMI Scholarship Committee.

Qualifications

Students who have completed at least one year of full-time study in a degree program for visual communications in the health sciences may apply for Research Grants. Inez Demonet scholarship applicants must be enrolled in a CAHEEP-accredited program to be eligible. Applications are made available in the fall. Scholarships are described below.  

Research Grants

Grant money is made available each year by the Vesalius Trust to fully or partially fund meritorious student research projects/theses. Award size may vary based on the nature and merit of a project. Applications are evaluated and ranked by the AMI Scholarship Committee. Not all who apply are awarded funding.

The top two awards in this category are named in honor of Alan W. Cole, beloved and respected medical illustrator and long-time member of the Association of Medical Illustrators, and Joyce McGill, aunt of Gael McGill, PhD, Digizyme CEO, Director of Molecular Visualization at Harvard Medical School and past Vesalius Trust trustee who created this scholarship in memory of Joyce whose life was dedicated to teaching art.

There are three parts to the application - student application, faculty advisor form, and content advisor form. Please note the second advisor should be someone oustide of your medical illustration faculty. You will need to send the links for the appropriate forms to your 2 advisors and ask them to fill it out by the application deadline. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

Vesalius Trust Student Application
Submit Faculty Advisor Form
Submit Content Advisor Form

Inez Demonet Scholarship

The Inez Demonet Scholarship is an annual merit scholarship awarded to the applicant with highest academic and personal achievements in the field of visual communications in the health sciences. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited program to be eligible. The Demonet award was the first scholarship established by the Trust. This scholarship honors a well-known, respected medical illustrator who was a charter member of the Association of Medical Illustrators. Click here for Frequently Asked Questions.

About Inez Demonet

Inez Demonet was a charter member of the Association of Medical Illustrators and chief of the Medical Arts Section at the National Institutes of Health for many years. She was a specialist in maxillofacial and plastic surgery illustration and was the recipient of a number of national honors for her work. A very versatile and creative professional, she was also a member of the Washington Water Color Club, the Society of Washington Printmakers and the Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene. In her will, she bequeathed a sum of money to fund a scholarship in her name. In honor of her many talents and accomplishments, the Trust awards this scholarship each year to the student considered to be the best overall student with the most promise for contributions to the profession of medical illustration in the future. In accordance with her bequest, this scholarship is available only to students of programs currently accredited by the Association of Medical Illustrators.

Inez Demonet Student Application

What is the field of medical illustration?

Medical illustration is a unique applied art discipline comprised of professional medical illustrators and animators. It falls within the more general field of biomedical communication.

What is a medical illustrator / animator?

A medical illustrator is a professional artist with specialized training and advanced education in medicine, science, art, design, visual technology, media techniques, and in theories related to communication and learning. Collaborating with scientists, physicians, and other content specialists, medical illustrators serve as visual translators of complex technical information to support education, medical and life science research, patient care, patient education, public relations, and marketing objectives.

As visualization specialists, they create imagery that advances medical science knowledge and empowers health literacy for patients and the public. They have the medical and scientific knowledge to grasp complex information, distill it down and communicate the story in a clear visual narrative that is accurate, educational and engaging.

In addition to producing such material, medical illustrators often function as content developers, creative directors, consultants and administrators within the general field of biocommunication. Many are business owners and entrepreneurs in the marketplace.

The definition of a medical illustration

A medical illustration is a visual representation that is the result of art skills expressed in a tangible or virtual medium that conveys medical or biological information. An illustration or animation is meant to explain and clarify a complex subject in ways that words alone cannot. Clear communication is a key feature of medical illustration that sets it apart from science-inspired fine art.

        

Examples of molecular illustration by Fabian de Kok-Mercado (left) and a medical legal exhibit by Lindsay Coulter (right).

 

Where medical illustrations & animations are used

From the human genome to the latest robotic surgical technique, the demand for accurate, effective medical illustration is continuously expanding. Medical illustrations and animations appear in virtually all media and markets used to disseminate medical, biological and related information:

• trade and consumer publications
• textbooks, journals, eBooks
• Web
• courtroom exhibits
• patient education
• continuing medical education (CME)
• interactive learning
• advertising
• mobile health apps
• health games
• trade shows
• museums
• veterinary and dental markets
• television and film
• augmented and virtual reality simulators

 

Attorneys use medical illustration to clarify complex medical information for judges and juries in personal injury and medical malpractice cases.

While medical illustrations are widely and consistently used for print and exhibits, the trend is toward greater use in multimedia and interactive designs, particularly those involving animation. Many, but not all, medical illustrators also work in three dimensions, creating sculptured anatomical teaching models and museum exhibits, models for simulated medical procedures and prosthetic parts for patients.

Skills required to be a medical illustrator / animator

Content and anatomical accuracy is paramount in the field of medical illustration; images are designed and created to communicate specific content. Therefore, it is most rewarding for detail-oriented individuals who genuinely enjoy and have natural ability in both art and science.

Because of the variety of assignments medical illustrators typically experience, they should be accomplished in a wide range of art methods and media production skills to meet the current needs of the biocommunication industry. These methods and skills range from advanced drawing, painting and sculpture techniques in tangible media, to functional concepts and techniques involved in the production of commercial and graphic art, to up-to-date computer graphic skills in still and motion media.

A strong foundation in general, biological and medical science is also necessary to enable the illustrator to fully comprehend and then conceptualize complex biological and medical information. Subjects range from structures in the real world that can be directly observed to the theoretical and unseen, such as molecular processes. Highly developed visualization skills to transform such complex information into two-dimensional and three-dimensional images that communicate to diverse audiences are essential.

Those interested in medical illustration should enjoy working alone and in teams during problem-solving, and be able to work closely with clients to understand not only the project itself but the client's often unspoken needs as well. Writing, research and ancillary computer skills are also valuable.

A proven pathway to acquire the required skills and knowledge to be a professional medical illustrator in today's marketplace is to attend a graduate-level educational program that is dedicated to teaching medical illustration.

Education for a career in medical illustration

Most medical illustrators have a Master's degree from an accredited graduate program from one of four medical schools. There are currently three accredited programs in the United States and one in Canada, each accepting 20 or fewer students per year. Entrance into all of these schools is very competitive. Course work includes:

• human gross anatomy
• physiology
• pathology
• histology
• neuroanatomy
• embryology
• surgery

 

Students concurrently take classes in everything from the use of electronic media in surgical and conceptual illustration to storyboard creation, interactive media development, web design, animation, 3D modeling, and prosthetics. Graduate programs in medical illustration are two years in length, and admission requirements vary from program to program. For further information on educational programs to obtain a degree in medical illustration, please see Education.

Where do medical illustrators work?

Medical illustrators and animators traditionally work at a:

• University, academic medical center
• Hospital, clinic, or medical practice
• Research institution
• Association (trade or society)
• Publishing company (books or journals)
• Software / app company
• Medical education company
• Medical legal or law firm
• Science communication or animation studio
• Veterinary school
• Pharmaceutical, device or biotech company
• Advertising agency
• Federal government, military

 

Today, many are self-employed while others set up small companies or work as an employee or owner in larger commercial enterprises designed to provide services to various markets.

A significant segment of the marketplace is devoted to medical legal illustration, which focuses on producing demonstrative evidence to support expert testimony in medical malpractice, personal injury, and product liability litigation. Fast growing fields of work for the medical illustrator are in computer modeling, animation and interactive design, all of which are in high demand in a wide variety of markets, and which often require larger teams of individuals.

Some medical illustrators specialize in a particular facet of medicine, such as forensic reconstruction, ophthalmological illustration, a specific surgical specialty, or the making of prostheses, often accumulating considerable recognition for their knowledge and abilities in that particular area. Some illustrators become content experts and are authors and co-authors of textbooks or journal articles.

There is an expanding need for those proficient in interactive UX/UI design to create e-learning mobile apps, AR/VR platforms, mixed-reality simulations, games, instructional platforms, MOOCs and other applications.

As more people demand information about their own bodies and healthcare options, the role of medical illustrations and animations in patient education and health literacy initiatives is vital to improving public health and patient outcomes. Indeed, a picture is worth a thousand words.

A growing number of medical animators work in research labs analyzing and modeling research data and molecular interactions to guide the data-exploration process as the scientific story is unfolding. Interdisciplinary knowledge in biochemistry, genomics, and computational molecular biology enable this close interaction and blur the lines between scientist and artist.

Earning potential

Earnings vary according to the experience, education, and ability of the artist, the type of work, and 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.  The salaries in the AMI compensation surveys reflect AMI member demographics, the majority of whom have a master's degree education in medical illustration from an accredited graduate program.

The median salary for a medical illustrator / animator in the U.S. is $70,650 and can range up to $173,000. Those with interdisciplinary skills in UX design who create apps and AR / VR experiences are in demand and earn $74,880 - $98,000. Adept professionals who advance their role to art director or creative director earn between $89,000 - $122,000 and up to $250,000 (2018 AMI survey data). About 48% of salaried illustrators supplement their income with freelance work.

Earning potential for self-employed medical illustrators varies widely depending on the type of work (e.g., pharmaceutical, medical-legal, advertising) and an individual’'s skill and reputation. Success as a self-employed medical illustrator does not result solely from the ability to create beautiful art. Business savvy and ability in marketing and self-promotion, pricing and negotiation, and business management are fundamental. Due to the vagaries of the marketplace and competitive forces, the earnings of self-employed illustrators may be less predictable than those who are salaried, but the highest earnings are generally made by those artists whose entrepreneurial expertise, art, and professionalism keep them in constant demand.

The median income for a self-employed medical illustrator is $80,000 and can range up to $1,000,000 per year (2018 AMI survey data).

In addition to earnings from a salary or freelance projects, some medical illustrators receive royalties from secondary licensing of existing artwork. These reuse arrangements with stock art agencies, publishers, and clients can provide a supplemental, and sometimes significant, source of income.

Employment outlook

Currently, the employment outlook for medical illustrators is good due to the highly specialized nature of our work and the relatively limited number of medical illustrators graduating each year. The profession remains very viable due to growth in medical research that continually reveals new treatments and technologies that require medical illustrations and animations to explain them.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, “Demand for multimedia artists and animators will increase as consumers continue to demand more realistic video games, movie and television special effects, and 3D animated movies. Additional job openings will arise from an increasing need for computer graphics in the growing number of mobile technologies. The demand for animators is also increasing in alternative areas such as scientific research and design services.”

Medical illustrators are also employed as research faculty within healthcare institutions where their unique aptitude is valuable in visualizing, interpreting and summarizing data as well as creating effective, testable patient education tools. Lastly, emerging technologies in informational media delivery systems such as mobile devices (tablets and smart phones), health gaming, and digital medical imaging systems require an expanding array of specially designed digital images and thus, the need for newer, more cutting-edge medical illustrations and animations to populate these devices.

Board certification

Many medical illustrators choose to enhance their careers by becoming board certified. Certification is a program endorsed by the AMI to encourage lifelong learning and to measure professional competency for practicing medical illustrators. This voluntary program is designed to provide the practicing medical illustrator with the recognizable and valuable Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI) credential, which assures stakeholders of their current competency in the profession.

A Certified Medical Illustrator has successfully passed examinations dealing with business practices, ethics, biomedical science, drawing skills, and has undergone a rigorous portfolio review. Competencies are maintained by meeting specific continuing education requirements and must be renewed every five years. For more information see Board Certification.

Continuing education

Medical illustration is a profession in continual growth. Medical research is embedded in nearly every medical illustration assignment, sometimes requiring learning to use medical instrumentation, performing cadaver dissections, organizing computer searches or studying relevant medical articles.

Like most other disciplines dependent on digital technology, medical illustrators also have to keep up with trends in emerging media as well as undergo periodic training to learn new platforms or software. To help the medical illustrator remain current, the AMI maintains a listserv, publishes a weekly AMI eNews, offers member tutorials and online courses, and co-publishes an academic journal The Journal of Biocommunication.

In order to maintain certification, however, more formal continuing education is available through the AMI as well as outside educational venues. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are offered for workshops and educational sessions presented at AMI annual meetings, at AMI-sponsored regional meetings, and for educational experiences in outside venues that meet the criteria for CEUs.

Positions for medical illustrators, medical animators, project managers, art directors and medical illustration faculty can be found in the member community. Members must log-in to post and find jobs.

There are multiple ways to locate a medical illustrator:

1. Potential employers and clients can post job announcements by contacting our headquarters: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., 1-866-393-4AMI, or submitting the form below. The job descriptions are emailed to our membership and posted in our member community.

2. The majority of the approximately 700 members of the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) are listed in our online database. If you wish to contact a specific medical illustrator, you can search for AMI members by name, state, or specialization.

3.The Medical Illustration Source Book, showcasing samples of AMI members work, can be viewed at www.medillsb.com.

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What is certification?

Certification is a program endorsed by the AMI to encourage lifelong learning and to measure professional competency for those illustrators and clients who voluntarily desire such credentialing. Similar to specialty certification for physicians, the competency evaluation consists of a written test and a practicum. The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI) objectively measures and evaluates the examination results and awards certification on successful completion. There is no relationship between certification and membership in the AMI.

Board certified medical illustrator

Any practicing medical illustrator who meets the eligibility requirements may apply to become board certified and obtain the designation Certified Medical Illustrator (CMI). The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators (BCMI) is an independent body that administers this voluntary certification program designed to provide the practicing medical illustrator with the recognizable and valuable CMI credential. A CMI has successfully passed examinations in business practices, ethics, biomedical science, and drawing skills and has undergone a rigorous portfolio review. Please note however, the CMI credential is not necessary or required for a medical illustrator to be a skilled and successful practitioner.

Period of certification

Certification is for a five-year period.

AMI membership is not required

Certification must, under Federal Trade Commission regulations, be open to any qualified medical illustrator whether or not they are members of the AMI or any other professional society.

Standards applied

The certification program and its examination process are based on standards that are used by certification programs and licensing bodies in many diverse professions and occupations. These are the Standards established by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA). The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA) was created in 1987 by ICE to help ensure the health, welfare, and safety of the public through the accreditation of a variety of certification programs/organizations that assess professional competence.

Eligibility

You are only eligible to be an applicant for certification if (1) you have a degree from a recognized college/university program in medical illustration that includes a course in human gross anatomy with hands on dissection, proven by transcript; or (2) You have a minimum of five years full-time work experience as a medical illustrator substantiated by letters of reference from employers and proof of a college-level course in human gross anatomy with hands on dissection or its equivalent.

Applying to take the certification exam

A certification exam application, a certification notarization form and the exam fee must be submitted to the BCMI prior to taking the exam. 

Certification exam

There are two parts to the examination.

Part 1 is a written exam administered once a year at the site of AMI Annual meeting (and at other times and locations by prior arrangement with the Chair of the BCMI).

Part 2 consists of an objectively measured portfolio review with some specific requirements in technique and subject matter. Instructions for Part II of the exam are supplied only after successful completion of Part I.

For more in-depth information, see the Certification Examination Information Bulletin [pdf].

Maintaining certification

The CMI credential may be renewed every 5 years by meeting continuing education requirements designed to maintain competencies required for practice. The competent practitioner performs work accurately and in the best interest of the consumer, makes correct judgments, and interacts with other professionals and customers effectively. Competence must be demonstrated and maintained throughout the individual's practicing life.

Renewing your CMI

Renewal of certification requires submission of a renewal application form, payment of a fee, and verification by AMI HQ that your required CE credits have been earned and properly recorded during the 5-year certification term. The CMI exam, in its entirety, must be taken again to regain CMI status if the appropriate number of CE credits is not earned during your 5-year term of certification.

More info

For more information concerning certification please read the Certification Examination Information Bulletin [pdf] or contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

 

Prior to the Founding of the Association of Medical Illustrators

For over 2000 years artists have illustrated the intricate structure of the body, creating images to elucidate medical procedures and record the pathologies of the body. These illustrations have often endured long after the text of a tome.

Medical illustration created for instruction first appeared in Hellenic Alexandria during the 4th century BC or early 3rd century BC. Created on individual sheets of papyrus, Hellenic illustration covered anatomy, surgery, obstetrics and plants of medical value.

Early anatomic illustration centered on the five-figure series, with each figure representing an organ system diagrammed within a body in a squatting pose, limbs splayed. In contrast, surgical illustrations were more naturalistic covering a wide range of medical procedures.

Renaissance

Progress accelerated during the Renaissance with many innovations. Artists inspired by Greek and Roman statues created naturalistic representations of the human figure aided by the discovery of the laws of perspective and their own dissections of cadavers. The five-figure series gave way to more accurate representations of anatomy. Graceful anatomical figures were often posed dramatically in landscapes amid bits of classical architecture in startling contrast to the bare backgrounds of earlier and later illustrations.

The Renaissance gave us Leonardo da Vinci, the first medical illustrator in the contemporary sense. Stunningly inventive, he melded a scientific understanding of anatomy with great artistic skill. Leonardo pursued his own anatomy book, and pioneered the use of cross sections and exploded views. Lacking the temperament and resources to publish his work, Leonardo's 800 anatomical drawings remained unpublished until the 1800's.

Major Atlases of Anatomy

As Leonardo neared the end of his career, Andreas Vesalius began his medical career by authoring and publishing De Corpus Fabrica Humani, the most well known book of anatomy ever. Completed in just four years, it influenced medical illustration for centuries. While much is known about Vesalius and the printing of the Fabrica, little is known about the artists who illustrated it leading to speculation revolving around Titian's circle.

In 1725 Berhard Siegfried Albinius of Leyden in the Netherlands asked the Dutch artist and engraver Jan Wandelaar to assist him with a new painstakingly accurate anatomy text. Twenty-eight years were spent producing two books devoted to muscular and skeletal anatomy. The full length plates' graceful poses and lush backgrounds owed much to the Fabrica, but the work was original, unprecedented in accuracy and beautifully engraved.

In the 19th century new printing techniques allowed illustrators to work in a variety of media. Color printing was refined and became practical, helping usher in color atlases of pathology and colorful anatomy books for the public.

Medical Illustration in America

At the end of the 19th century a charming, dapper young artist was persuaded to leave his native Germany and pursue medical illustration at Johns Hopkins. Max Brödel would have an incomparable impact on medical illustration. Almost singlehandedly he would create and define the profession of medical illustration. While his magnificent illustration work in pen and ink, and carbon dust, a technique he devised, are an immense legacy, Brödel's most significant legacy is the first school of medical illustration. In 1911 he became the director of the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine. As the new department's sole instructor he proved himself to be an outstanding natural teacher. Other medical illustration programs sprang up across the United States and Canada. Graduates of Brödel's tutelage and the other schools would transform medical illustration into a profession, leading to the formation of the Association of Medical Illustrators in 1945.

by Alan E. Branigan
Condensed from The History of the Association of Medical Illustrators 1945-1995
edited by Robert Demarest © AMI 1995

The application process consists of these submitting items, the exam application below, proof of education (copy of transcript or diploma), and the appropriate fee.

Please answer all questions completely. The information contained herein will be considered confidential and is, together with all references, the property of the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators. It is to the applicant's advantage to answer each question completely, accurately, and honestly. All persons shall receive fair, equal and impartial treatment by the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators. All applicants shall be treated without regard to membership status, race, creed, color, national origin, sex, age, handicap, marital status or other criteria prohibited by law.

Important Notice: This application may be used to apply to take the certification exam at the AMI annual meeting. If you wish to take the exam at an alternate location, you must obtain permission and make arrangements before you submit an application. See the Certification Examination Information Bulletin for details.

Access online application

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

Application for taking the Exam at the AMI Annual Meeting closes the week prior to the meeting. Please visit this year's official upcoming meeting webiste for more precise deadline information.

An applicant for certification is considered eligible if either of the two following situations is true:
1. You have a degree from a college/university program in medical illustration that includes a course in gross anatomy with hands on dissection, proven by transcript.
or
2. You have a minimum of five years full-time experience as a medical illustrator substantiated by letters of reference from employers, and proof of a college-level course in gross anatomy with hands on dissection or its equivalent.

Exam Fee	$150.00
CMI renewal by exam (AMI Member)	$300.00
CMI renewal by exam (non-AMI Member)	$400.00

Offsite exam is subject to an additional $60.00 shipping charge.

Offsite exams for groups of three or more are eligible for a group shipping fee of $150. 

Payment can be made online via credit card (during application process) or by check. Please make checks payable to the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators.

Send payment to:
Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators
c/o AMI - Jennifer Duckworth
PO Box 2272
Lexington, KY 40588-2272

Thank you. Your certification examination application form has been submitted. You will receive an email copy for your records.

Requirements for certification renewal:

1. This application and a $150.00 renewal fee must be received by the Board of Certification by the last day of your certification term. Please send payment in the form of a check. All funds must be in US dollars and drawn on a US bank.

2. AMI HQ will verify the 35 CE credit hours earned during the past five years.

Click here to access your account to complete the renewal form, add other CE credits to your account, or request CE approval for an activity

Upon receipt and processing of your application materials, you will receive a new certification certificate. Your renewal will be for another five year period.

If you would like to pay by check, please send to:
The Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators
PO Box 2272
Lexington, KY 40588-2272

Thank You

To be completed by individuals/groups seeking CEU approval for workshops, courses, or programs not previously approved, or by individuals/groups giving workshops, courses, or programs. This submitted form will be sent to the CE committee chair and 3 CE committee members for review.

Please Note: This form should be submitted prior to participating in the continuing education activity. If this form is submitted later than 30 days after the activity is completed, CE credit will not be awarded.

NOTE: Applicant must answer all questions in detail. Please do not provide brochure or website. Activity will not be reviewed or approved if submitted with incorrect information.

Submit Continuing Education Activity Information Online

Download Continuing Education Activity Information Form (pdf)

Thank You

This form MUST be submitted within 30 days after you have completed your activity, or no credit will be entered for the course. Shortly after submission of this form you will receive a confirmation email for your records.

Note that you must also submit a CE Activity Information Form (preferably in advance) to apply for continuing education credit for any activity that is not pre-approved by the AMI.

Submit Continuing Education Activity Verification Online

Download Continuing Education Activity Verification Form (pdf)

Thank You