About the AMI
Click Here to download a copy of the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) Bylaws.
Collateral Materials
Name - Association of Medical Illustrators
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Website - www.ami.org
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AMI Headquarter Staff
Jennifer Duckworth, Executive Director | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Kaitlyn Mathews, Program Manager | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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The Association of Medical Illustrators
201 E. Main Street, Ste. 1405
Lexington, KY 40507
U.S.A.
Please note our address will be changing effective January 1, 2023. All remains the same except our Suite # will become 810. New address will be 201 E. Main Street, Suite 810, Lexington, KY 40507.
tel: 1-866-393-4AMI (or 1-866-393-4264)
e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Access to Records
Pursuant to IRS Regulations, the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) provides access to its original exemption application and to the IRS Form 990 for the last three years. Governing documents (articles of incorporation and bylaws), the conflict of interest policy, and the last 3 years of audited or reviewed financial statements are also made available upon request. Please reach out to headquarters at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
AMI Five-Year Strategic Plan—Adopted 8.26.10
GOALS
We will expand our scope to include the growing diversity of our interdisciplinary roles, and to leverage emerging opportunities that will extend our impact.
AMI will align its governance and organization structure to effectively carry out its strategic plan.
AMI will increase membership to 1,150 members by 12/31/2015.
AMI will add value for members by offering Online and On-Demand Continuing Educational Resources.
The AMI will achieve and maintain non-dues revenue so it is at least 60% of all revenue by 2015 to ensure long term financial viability.
AMI will expand and develop new external alliances with other professional associations, government non-profits, and industry partners to encourage mutual collaboration and education.
Objectives and Strategies:
GOAL 1:
We will expand our scope to include the growing diversity of our interdisciplinary roles, and to leverage emerging opportunities that will extend our impact.
1.1 OBJECTIVE: Rebrand the AMI
1.1.1 STRATEGY: Create taskforce to present rebranding implementation plan at interim Board meeting
1.1.2 STRATEGY: Develop identity (logo, tagline,etc.) and consistent messaging
1.1.3 STRATEGY: Apply new branding (identity and messaging) to all existing communications (website, etc.)
1.2 OBJECTIVE: Develop a publication plan that includes publishing articles about the profession and association in trade and professional journals at least one article per year.
1.2.1 STRATEGY: Implement a marketing campaign to expand awareness of the AMI and the diverse, unique, interdisciplinary skills of our members, and to leverage emerging opportunities.
1.2.2 STRATEGY: Develop speakers bureau - key thought leaders who are available to make presentations to outside groups on a variety of subjects related to our profession
1.2.3 STRATEGY: Develop media list of at least 50 contacts
1.2.4 STRATEGY: Send out a press release at least once per month
GOAL 2:
AMI will align its governance and organization structure to effectively carry out its strategic plan.
2.1 OBJECTIVE: Categorize committees under each strategic priority, eliminating or combining committees where overlap is determined and re-classifying some bodies as needed
2.1.1 STRATEGY: Review current structure with fellow point system in mind and develop recommendation for restructure to Board by July 2010
2.1.2 STRATEGY: Upon approval from Board, contact committee chairs/vice-chairs to discuss restructure by September 2010
2.1.3 STRATEGY: Implement new committee structure by July 2011
2.2 OBJECTIVE: Reexamine the composition, size, and organizational structure of the board of governors and executive committee to streamline their effectiveness and encourage members to become involved in leadership roles in the association
2.2.1 STRATEGY: Immediately restore the original role of the Executive committee to meet and act on behalf of the Board of Governors in an emergency only (i.e., monthly meetings are no longer needed)
2.2.2 STRATEGY: Develop recommendation for Board by Interim meeting 2011
2.3 OBJECTIVE: Evaluate bylaws to determine change that need to be made to reflect new governance and organizational structures.
2.3.1 STRATEGY: Hire attorney to draft new bylaws.
2.3.2 STRATEGY: Formalize existing relationship of partners.
2.3.3 STRATEGY: Bring bylaws concurrent with state laws.
GOAL 3:
AMI will increase membership to 1,150 members by 12/31/2015.
3.1 OBJECTIVE: Expand membership recruitment
3.1.1 STRATEGY: Recruit from affiliated organizations by offering co-membership options
3.1.2 STRATEGY: Give discounts and other incentives to companies that pay for multiple professional memberships
3.1.3 STRATEGY: Create taskforce to explore revising membership categories
3.2 OBJECTIVE: Increase the conversion rate from student/trial members to professional members
3.2.1 STRATEGY: Each Fall, contact Student members who graduated during that year to encourage them to apply for Professional membership (their first year is free) Additionally, each Fall, contact recent graduates who are completing their first free year of Professional membership, and encourage them to renew
3.2.2 STRATEGY: Send targeted email communications to trial members from AMI president prior to annual meeting and during renewal period
3.3 OBJECTIVE: Increase outreach to potential members who dont know about the AMI
3.3.1 STRATEGY: Communicate AMI benefits to potential new members through a revamped member benefits document that answers frequently asked questions
3.3.2 STRATEGY: Invite a prominent local person (e.g., physician/scientist/industry head) to open Salon (See 5.2) as well as potential new members to the opening (medical/scientific/ artist communities) making the salon more of a PR event
3.3.3 STRATEGY: Advertise the annual conference more broadly, to encourage others to attend (medical/scientific/ artist communities), through local media, press list and through broadcast emails from Serbin or other venues
3.4 OBJECTIVE: Increase outreach to potential members who do know about the AMI
3.4.1 STRATEGY: Communicate AMI benefits to existing members through a revamped member benefits document that answers frequently asked questions and reinforces positive perceptions about being a member
3.4.2 STRATEGY: Follow-up with lapsed or non-renewing AMI members contact by Membership Committee, Board members, Executive Director and/or President
3.4.3 STRATEGY: Send AMI newsletter to board members of affiliated North American organizations
3.5 OBJECTIVE: Increase outreach to potential global members
3.5.1 STRATEGY: Send AMI newsletter to board members of affiliated international organizations
3.5.2 STRATEGY: Continue to offer complimentary membership to President of AEIMS and pertinent other national groups
3.5.3 STRATEGY: Investigate co-sponsoring other conferences outside the AMI annual meeting
3.5.4 STRATEGY: Send AMI President to attend the AEIMS conference every year
3.6 OBJECTIVE: Ensure value of AMI membership
3.6.1 STRATEGY: Educate members about OMC benefits
3.6.2 STRATEGY: Boost value of OMC/dotorg by assigning content creators to update them regularly and highlight changes, to give people a reason to check out the OMC and dotorg regularly
3.6.3 STRATEGY: Kick off internal PR campaign including member snapshots, testimonials, etc., to reinforce the positive identity of belonging to the AMI
3.6.4 STRATEGY: Investigate bundling meeting registration with membership dues
3.6.5 STRATEGY: Create Continuing Education options for members (see Goal 4) and advertise this broadly.
GOAL 4:
AMI will add value for members by offering Online and On-Demand Continuing Educational Resources.
4.1 OBJECTIVE: Record and catalogue four select program sessions in Portland and make all four sessions available online for all members by January 15, 2011
4.1.1 STRATEGY: Coordinate video recording of four select Portland sessions (obtain speaker permissions
4.1.2 STRATEGY: Organize, upload, and publish all four recorded Portland sessions to a section of the AMI website with member-only access (i.e. OMC)
4.1.3 STRATEGY: Develop a communication plan intended for membership that explains the current intent and future plans of adding new Online and On-Demand Continuing Educational Resources, as well as announcing the release of the Portland sessions
4.2 OBJECTIVE: Invest in and implement a subscription-based e-learning platform to be integrated with www.ami.org by December, 2012
4.2.1 STRATEGY: Develop and implement an AMI philosophy and strategy for implementing subscription-based e-learning content for member and potentially non-members
4.2.2 STRATEGY: Develop and send RFP to e-learning technology vendors
4.2.3 STRATEGY: Integrate a chosen technology into current website environment
4.3 OBJECTIVE: Continue recording and data-basing Annual Meeting content and develop 10-15 new/current/relevant e-learning modules to populate AMIs e-learning platform by December 2013
4.3.1 STRATEGY: Establish an e-learning support component within the Annual Meeting Planning Process
4.3.2 STRATEGY: Identify topics and standards for new content modules
4.3.3 STRATEGY: Recruit content creators
GOAL 5:
The AMI will achieve and maintain non-dues revenue so it is at least 60% of all revenue by 2015 to ensure long term financial viability.
5.1 OBJECTIVE: Enhance revenue-generating sections of the AMI website
5.1.1 STRATEGY: Seek sponsorship (work with V.T. for grant research & BCMI), grants or other sources of funding for continuing professional development courses including live-presentation Webinars and e-learning
5.1.2 STRATEGY: Recruit more corporate sponsors, and highlight their presence on the web site and within the OMC
5.1.3 STRATEGY: Incorporate selective advertising (e.g., banner ads; tie in with web committee)
5.2 OBJECTIVE: Enhance revenue at annual conferences
5.2.1 STRATEGY: Expand the number of corporate sponsors and enhance their profile
5.2.2 STRATEGY: Advertise/promote the AMI to affiliated associations
5.2.3 STRATEGY: Explore the feasibility of an exhibitors section at meetings
GOAL 6:
AMI will expand and develop new external alliances with other professional associations, government non-profits, and industry partners to encourage mutual collaboration and education.
6.1 OBJECTIVE: Develop formal affiliations with five non-artist associations by 2015 to encourage mutual collaboration on best practices.
6.1.1 STRATEGY: Identify and prioritize advocacy and education topics (e.g., fair use, contract and rights issues, metadata, open source publishing, and adoption of PLUS standardized licensing) to explore with associations such as: Association of American Publishers (AAP), American Medical Association (AMA), American Association of Anatomists (AAA), American Medical Writers Association (AMWA), National Science Foundation (NSF), American Association of Advertising Agencies (AAAA), American Trial Lawyers Association, American Association for Advancement of Science, Radiological Society of North America, etc.
6.1.2 STRATEGY: Send letters of engagement requesting collaboration with AMI representatives or delegates on specific topics.
6.1.3 STRATEGY: Co-develop best practice guidelines and/or white papers with our affiliated associations to further our educational efforts about creative rights and fair business practices between industries; participation of associations would be based on the topic
6.2 OBJECTIVE: Develop formal affiliations with other professional artists associations to increase awareness of our skills and services, encourage mutual collaboration, exchange imaging, e-learning and interactive technology
6.2.1 STRATEGY: Continue and strengthen our ongoing participation in Illustrators Partnership of America (IPA), American Society of Illustrators Partnership (ASIP), and Picture Licensing Universal System (PLUS)
6.2.2 STRATEGY: Sponsor AMI members (from AMI funds or membership exchanges) to serve as representatives or delegates to affiliated artists associations such as: Guild Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI), BioCommunications Association (BCA), Health & Science Communications Association (HeSCA), American Society Media Photographers (ASMP), American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA), etc.
6.2.3 STRATEGY: Develop contacts and communication with leading animation groups including Leonardo/ISAST, SIGGRAPH, International Association of Medical Science Educators (IAMSE), and CG Society by December 2010
6.3 OBJECTIVE: Develop contacts and communication methods with the public to increase awareness and education of advocacy topics
6.3.1 STRATEGY: Develop area on AMI website for non-members to subscribe to email alerts or RSS feeds
6.3.2 STRATEGY: Develop an externally focused e-newsletter that can be sent to affiliated organizations and publicly downloaded
6.3.3 STRATEGY: Improve the Advocacy section of ami.org
6.4 OBJECTIVE: Develop contacts with media outlets to increase awareness of our field and business issues
This award recognizes and honors a medical illustrator for outstanding educational contributions to the profession of Medical Illustration. Criteria include educational and/or administrative contributions to a graduate program and acting as a mentor to prospective students in Medical Illustration. The recipient should demonstrate a sustained contribution to education by presenting papers and workshops at regional and annual meetings and in print publications.
Past Recipients
2022 Gene Wright (With recognition to take place at the 2023 AMI Annual Conference)
2021 Christine Young
2019 Robert Demarest
2018 Tonya Hines
2017 No recipient
2016 William Westwood
2015 Timothy Phelps
2014 Cynthia Turner
2013 John Daugherty
2012 Margot Mackay
2011 Howard Bartner
2010 Gary Lees
2009 Bill Andrews
2008 Linda Wilson-Pauwels
2007 William Stenstrom
2006 Steve Harrison
2005 Bill Brudon
2004 Rick Hall
2003 Neil Hardy
2002 Bill Winn
2001 Octavia Garlington
2000 Craig Gosling
1999 David Mascaro
1998 Alice Katz
1997 Gerald P. Hodge
1996 Al Teoli
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Welcome to the Association of Medical Illustrators
Thank you for visiting the AMI’s website! It is my pleasure to represent the diverse and uniquely talented members of our professional organization. Medical illustrators and animators are highly trained content creators and communicators. We transform complex biomedical information into visuals that educate and illuminate the science of life.
This is an exciting time to be working in this field. From its historic origins in illustration, our profession has evolved with today’s technologies in molecular visualization, animation, digital publishing, interactive media, mobile/web communications, imaging, health gaming, patient and surgical simulation, as well as virtual reality. Our professional members meet exacting scientific standards while solving demanding creative challenges. Student members are welcomed and supported to succeed in our profession.
The AMI supports the career development of its members and the sustainability of our creative industry. We provide continuing education on biomedical topics, business practices, and creative techniques. Through our advocacy efforts and alliances, we promote strong artist’s rights. We encourage professional credentialing through Board Certification (BCMI).
The AMI annual meeting is the premier educational conference on visualizing medicine and science. The 2014 conference at the Mayo Clinic was a tremendous event with a diverse array of speakers, exhibitors, demos, and workshops. Our next conference will be held at the world-renowned Cleveland Clinic on July 22-25, 2015 and we’d love to see you there.
I welcome your input on how the AMI can serve you better.
Best regards,
Cory Sandone, CMI
President, Association of Medical Illustrators
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410.955.3213
Medical illustration is based on the clear communication of scientific information, which requires our profession to be grounded in ethical standards. The AMI Code of Ethics defines principles and sets guidelines of conduct for members engaged in the practice of medical illustration.
Code of Ethics
Whereas medical illustration is a profession dedicated to the advancement of medical education through cooperation with medical & allied professions; and whereas the aim of the medical illustrator is to depict and clarify scientific information and make it understandable through visual media using the fidelity of the scientist and the skills of the artist; therefore, members of the Association of Medical Illustrators resolve to abide by the principles here set forth.Principles:
Plagiarism and piracy of any nature will not be tolerated. The medical illustrator has an inherent obligation to acknowledge credit to whomever credit is due.A medical illustrator shall not advertise nor solicit clients or employment in a manner that is false or misleading.
A medical illustrator shall not make slanderous, disparaging or discrediting statements concerning the abilities or reputation of fellow medical illustrators.
Transcripts of grades, a curriculum vitae, a listing of past employers and clients and references should be freely given when requested. There shall be no falsification of records.
A portfolio shall contain only original artwork or reproductions thereof prepared by the illustrator whose work the portfolio represents.
Alterations to another illustrator's work should not be made without that illustrator's permission.
Acceptance of membership in any category in the Association of Medical Illustrators confers upon the member an obligation:
To conduct oneself in professional relations in a manner that will be a credit to the Association;
To respect the rights and abilities of medical illustrators whether or not they are members of the Association; and
To use every honorable means to uphold the dignity and honor of the profession and to exalt its standards and extend its sphere of influence.
Interpretation of the Code of Ethics shall be a function of the Secretary of the Association.
Violation of ethical principles as stated in this Code or any acts of dishonesty or corruption are to be reported to the AMI Secretary, Stephen Mader.
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416.345.8983
The issue will be investigated thoroughly and recommendations will be taken to the Board of Governors which shall make a determination as to the appropriate discipline, if any, as detailed in the Bylaws, Article IV, Section 5, Discipline.
This Code's stipulations apply to all Professional and Special Members. (Revised 1991)
AMI Leadership:
10 elected Governors (including Board Chair, Vice Chair, and Past Chair)
2 elected officers (Treasurer and Secretary)
3 Presidents (Past, Present and President-elect)
1 non-voting Executive Director
Committees do the majority of the maintenance and development work of the Association.
Elected Officers:
President | President Elect | Immediate Past President | Secretary | Treasurer
Elected Governors:
Chair | Vice Chair | Past Chair, Ex-Officio | Governors
Jill Gregory | President
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Mount Sinai Health System
New York, NY 10029
Jill Gregory has been a practicing medical illustrator since graduating from the University of Michigan in 1998, and has spent her entire career in academic medical centers in New York City. She started out as a staff medical illustrator at Beth Israel Medical Center, and is currently the Associate Director of Instructional Technology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. In this position, she creates visual materials for academic purposes: journal articles, textbook chapters, and in-classroom and online education. She also teaches classes and workshops in effective data visualization for medical and graduate students. She is especially interested in the intersection of medical illustration and instructional design, and believes that while the medical education field knows about and depends on imagery to teach, there is a vast opportunity for medical illustrators to go beyond image-making into influencing how content is taught.
Todd Buck | President Elect
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Lombard, IL
Todd Buck graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a master’s degree in Biomedical Visualization in 1990. That same year he founded Todd Buck Illustration LLC where he has since been creating illustrations for national and international publication in medical journals, pharmaceutical and biotech advertising, surgical atlases, college textbooks, patient education materials, and healthcare websites.
Todd is also a Professor of Illustration in the School of Art and Design at Northern Illinois University where he teaches courses in beginning through advanced illustration, scientific illustration, traditional and digital media including introduction to 3D modeling, and best business practices.
Todd is a Certified Medical Illustrator and a Fellow of the AMI. He has served on multiple AMI committees over the years including Chair of the 2019 AMI Conference in Milwaukee, WI, and Board of Governors (2009-2013).
Nicholas Woolridge | Immediate Past President
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Toronto, ON
Nick is an Associate Professor at the University of Toronto Mississauga. He was Director of the Master of Science In Biomedical Communications at the University of Toronto from 2008 to 2019 (and is the current Associate Director). The MScBMC program is 75 years old in 2020, and is the only accredited medical illustration program in Canada. Nick teaches graduate courses in introductory 3D modelling (using medical imaging technologies and ZBrush) and cinematic design, and an undergraduate course in information and data visualization.
Nick graduated from the University of Toronto’s Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Communications program in 1992 (before the program was redeveloped as a graduate program), and then obtained a Master of Science from the Institute of Medical Science at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Medicine in 1996. Over the years he has explored interactive media in medical education, 3D technologies for science education (including molecular modelling and representation), non-photorealistic rendering, and the importance of design processes in cinematic storytelling. He is the co-author (with Jason Sharpe and Charles Lumsden) of In Silico: 3D Animation and Simulation of Cell Biology with Maya and MEL, and is currently working on a documentary called Useful Models (with colleague Maeve Doyle) on the history of molecular representation.
Nick is a Certified Medical Illustrator and a Fellow of the AMI. Nick served for many years as the chair of the Council on Education for the AMI, spearheaded the revision of the educational standards for accredited programs, and served as program co-chair of an AMI annual meeting in Toronto. He is honoured to be working with the Board of Governors and AMI management on behalf of the membership of this fantastic organization.
Ian Suk | Secretary
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Baltimore, MD
Ian graduated from the University of Toronto, Department of Biocommunications, in 1993 and is a long time member of the AMI. He joined the full-time faculty of the Department at Johns Hopkins in 2002 where he currently serves as a Professor of Neurosurgery and Art as Applied to Medicine.
Marcelo Oliver | Treasurer
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Marcelo Oliver is President and Co-owner of Body Scientific International, LLC., a company that specializes in medical illustration, design, and services for students and healthcare professionals to excel in their medical education. Marcelo received his Master of Fine Arts in Medical and Biological Illustration from the University of Michigan in 1992. Upon graduating he was hired at Anatomical Chart Company where he illustrated many pharmaceutical patient education programs and later became creative director. In the early 2000’s Marcelo worked as marketing director for Heartsine Technologies, before starting Body Scientific in 2005. The creative team at Body Scientific has illustrated thousands of anatomy and surgical images for textbooks and also pursues international business opportunities in Asia, the Gulf Region and South America. Marcelo currently serves a member of the Advisory Committee at UIC Biomedical Visualization Program and is looking forward to serving on the AMI Board of Governors.
Craig Foster | Chair of the Board
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Craig Foster, MSMI, CMI, is an experienced medical illustrator and animator who has produced award-winning visuals for Time Life Medical, major pharmaceutical corporations, medical device manufacturers and biotechnology companies. He has been a member of the Association of Medical Illustrators since 1991 and is a Certified Medical Illustrator. Craig has a fine arts degree from the University of Michigan and a graduate degree in medical illustration from the Medical College of Georgia (now Augusta University).
In addition to maintaining his medical visualization company, Craig is also a visiting professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology where he teaches courses in Surgical Illustration, Scientific Animation, and Interactive Media.
Autumn Kulaga | Vice-Chair of the Board
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Autumn Kulaga is a biomedical illustrator with the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Data & Analysis Center. She works with researchers of various backgrounds to help analyze data, communicate scientific findings, and clarify results from various biomedical engineer research projects. She is also founder of Encephalo Creative Studios, an illustration, animation, and interactive media company that helps biomedical research and education through injury illustrations, 3d printed models, and web media.
She holds a BFA in Communication Arts from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Master of Science degree in Biomedical Visualization from the University of Illinois at Chicago Applied Health Sciences College.
As a professional member of the AMI Autumn also contributes as Chair of the Web Committee, a member of the Membership Committee, and a part of the AMI's Mentor Program.
Fabian de Kok-Mercado | Governor
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Fabian de Kok-Mercado MA, CMI, FAMI is the Founder & CEO of Discoveries Brought To Life, a biomedical media production and consultation company. His company collaborates with visionaries in science and medicine across the globe to illuminate and clarify the intricacies of biomedical research through state-of-the-art animation, illustration, and immersive interactive media.
As a member of the AMI, he has chaired the Salon, taught numerous workshops and techniques showcases, has been a mentor for new members as part of the AMI Mentorship Committee, and organized and moderated a member’s forum discussion panel. He’s been a member of the Board of Certification of Medical Illustrators since 2013. In 2018, he was inducted as a Fellow of the Association. In addition, he’s an Adjunct Assistant Professor within the Medical and Biological Illustration Graduate Program of the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he co-instructs a course on Molecular and Cellular Visualization.
Fabian received his Master of Arts in Medical and Biological Illustration from the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2008, after receiving his Bachelors in Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration from Iowa State University.
Dorothy Fatunmbi | Governor
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Boston, MA
Dorothy Fatunmbi is an award-winning medical illustrator and animator. She graduated from the University of Illinois at Chicago with a master’s degree in Biomedical Visualization and works as a Medical and Scientific illustrator/animator at HMX Online Learning at Harvard Medical School. There, she collaborates with a team of experts to create instructional medical illustrations and animations about advanced topics in medicine.
As a professional member, she co-chairs the Newsletter Committee and serves as an organizer on the Online Learning Committee.
Dorothy wants members to not only see value in their presence within the AMI but to also feel empowered to make this organization their own by sharing and contributing their unique perspectives and skills. As a governor, she aims to add the best of her efforts to the great forces that continue to shape this organization as it strives to meet the dynamic needs of the profession, membership and the communities that it touches. She is grateful for this opportunity and views service on the board as an honor.
Jared Travnicek | Governor
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Jared Travnicek is the Associate Director of Science Storytelling at Cognition Studio. He works closely with clients to bring clarity to their science and lead teams in developing engaging content. Cognition’s work is on the cutting edge of biotech which provides opportunities to bridge knowledge gaps, build understanding, and translate scientific breakthroughs for some of the world’s most difficult problems.
He holds a BA from the Biological and Pre-Medical Illustration (BPMI) from Iowa State University and a Masters of Art in Medical and Biological Illustration from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine.
Jared is a current member of the Board of Certified Medical Illustrators (BCMI), co-chair of the Online Learning Committee, was part of the Mentor Program from 2016-2020.
Jeff Day | Governor
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Jeff Day is an assistant professor in the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at Johns Hopkins University, where he teaches courses in animation and design. Jeff earned an MA in medical and biological illustration at Johns Hopkins and medical and bachelors degrees from Case Western Reserve University. He has also worked as a Science Educator at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and a digital media specialist at the National Library of Medicine. Jeff is interested in accessibility and usability in educational media, and also cartoons, wildlife, and board games.
Daniel Muller | Governor
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Daniel Müller is Manager for Medical Data Visualization and User Experience at The New England Journal of Medicine where he started working in 2014 as a Senior Medical Illustrator. He currently manages a group of information design specialists as well as interfaces with international authors and in-house medical thought-leaders to create online interactive data visualizations and interactive learning modules, medical and editorial illustrations, and animations.
Daniel is a founding Partner and Interactive Director of Haderer & Müller – Biomedical Art. In addition to general biomedical illustration, his responsibilities include the development and technical aspects of Haderer & Müller’s animation, data visualization, and multimedia work. Daniel’s interest in user experience design, adult education, and interactive learning coupled with his advanced training in usability and programming keep him up to date on the latest in the field.
Daniel received his Master of Arts in Medical and Biological Illustration from the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 2000. He has been an active professional member of the AMI and chaired the Web Committee for 8 years. He also served as Chair of the AMI 2018 Annual Meeting in Boston MA.
Get Involved! — Volunteers are the lifeblood of the AMI
Annual Meeting • ARC-MI • Artists Rights • Awards • Communications • Contuining Professional Education • Council on Graduate Education • Diversity • Ethics • Exhibits • Fellow • Finance • Membership • Mentorship • Nominating • Online Learning • Professional Guidelines • Scholarship • Undergraduate Education
One of the best ways for members to network and grow professionally is to serve on a committee. Each of us can make a difference, and working together we ensure that our profession is strong, relevant, and full of opportunities. AMI is a volunteer-driven assocation. Your service helps shape and implement our strategic plan.
AMI welcomes you to volunteer with us. The AMI's commmittees are list listed below. Once you select a committee of interest and submit your interest form, it will be reviewed by volunteer leadership and you will be notified of the outcome within a few weeks.
Volunteering with the AMI provides many benefits, including:
- Contributing to the overall mission of AMI
- Meeting and engaging with other professionals within the field
- Gaining valuable experience to help advance your career
- Preparing yourself for potential board service through committee leadership
- Receive points toward future Fellow recognition for generous volunteer service
You are welcome to volunteer for any committee of your choosing, however, you can find a list of committees actively recruiting volunteers on the HUB Volunteer Leadership page.
Annual Meeting Committee
2023: Dave Killpack and Wes Price
This committee plans and organizes the Annual Conference.
ARC-MI Committee
Shelley Wall
The Accreditation Review Committee for the Medical Illustrator (ARC-MI) is a Standing Committee of the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI), which serves as a sponsor of ARC-MI to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) System. ARC-MI functions as Committee on Accreditation (CoA) within the CAAHEP system and adheres to the CAAHEP policies and procedures. Within the CAAHEP system, the ARC-MI is vested with the responsibility and authority to evaluate graduate programs in medical illustration that have requested accreditation and to make recommendations to the CAAHEP Board of Directors, which is the final decision making authority for accreditation status.
Artists Rights Committee
The Artists Rights Committee serves as a conduit for advocacy for the intellectual rights and professional rights of medical artists. The committee is responsible for direct advocacy on behalf of and in conjunction with the membership. It works closely with the American Society of Illustrators' Partnership (ASIP) and with our legislative counsel, Bruce Lehman. It is also responsible for facilitating education and discussion of relevant issues within the association.
Awards Committee
The Awards Committee oversees the various awards that the AMI gives out annually at the AMI Annual Meeting, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, Brodel Award, and Salon Awards. The committee consists of at least two current members who oversee the award selection committees, manage the annual selection timeline, coordinate award ceremony planning, moderate the onsite awards ceremony, and assist in distributing the Salon ribbons at the annual meeting.
Communications Committee
The Communications Committee is an umbrella committee comprised of Newsletter, Web, and PR, along with communications liaisons from each AMI committee.
Newsletter
Dorothy Fatunmbi, Adriana Orland, and Jer Weann Ang
The Newsletter Committee oversees content and publication of the AMI News, the Association's official electronic newsletter. The Chair(s) handles editorial duties and assigned columnists provide content regularly while authors from the general membership may contribute articles.
Website
Autumn Kulaga and Natalie Doolittle
The Web Committee identifies, advises, and advocates for web needs and services for ami.org, the online member community, and meeting websites. The committee considers and recommends web-related policies and procedures and takes a proactive role in promoting the integration of web and new media in an effort to support the professional and administrative needs of the AMI.
PR
The PR committee coordinates the public face of the association in a manner consistent with the goals of the Board, the AMI Branding Guidelines, and the AMI Social Media Policy. Our members prepare website content, facilitate earned and paid media, and serve as editors of the AMI's social media platforms on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.
Continuing Professional Education Committee
Kaitlin Lindsay and Courtney Arden White
The Continuing Professional Education committee is a part of the AMI's Certified Medical Illustrator program. It is charged primarily with evaluating the AMI's annual meeting content and other educational offerings for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) according to the ANSI/IACET Standard for Continuing Education and Training, as well as working with planners to help their events meet the standard.
Council on Graduate Education Committee
The Council on Graduate Education is composed of the directors of the graduate programs in biomedical visualization and medical illustration that are recognized as having met the Standards and Guidelines for Accreditation. In addition, one or two student and recent graduate representatives serve as non-voting members.
Diversity Committee
The Diversity Committee works on diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) efforts within the association. The Committee advises all other AMI Committees to proactively recruit members and chairs utilizing a DEI lens (considering race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, political beliefs, or other ideologies). The Committee interfaces directly with the Membership Committee, Mentorship Committee, Nominating Committee and Meeting Planning Committee to provide recommendations on implementing diversity concepts within their Committees. Serves as a safe space to address concerns from members who feel disadvantaged or have experienced bias within the Association based on their social identities and/or educational and career background. The Committee develops resources, creates initiatives and implements strategies to advance the AMI to becoming an anti-racist multicultural organization.
Ethics Committee
Evan Otto
The Ethics Committee is a subcommittee of the Membership Committee that is charged with the interpretation of the AMI Code of Ethics. Violations of ethical principles as stated in the code or any acts of dishonesty are reported to the Ethics Chair. The committee, after thorough investigation and deliberation, reports its findings and recommendations to the Board of Governors.
Exhibits Committee
Lori Messenger and Jill Gregory
The Exhibits Committee serves as an umbrella committee for the Salon Display Task Force (Traditional and Digital), Salon Judging Task Force and the Awards Committee (salon aspect only). This committee is comprised of the chairs of the Traditional Salon Display Task Force, Digital Salon Display Task Force, Judging Task Force and Awards Committee.
The Salon Display Task Force is responsible for the receiving, processing, hanging and tearing down of the salon. It is a huge undertaking and the details of it change yearly with the AMI meeting venue. This is a great opportunity for students and new members to get involved and also a nice way to meet a large portion of the membership. Generally the Task Force chairs are decided soon after the annual meeting for the next year's meeting.
The Judging Task Force for the annual meeting salon is always looking for professional members to volunteer to review and judge the traditional and digital salon. The responsibilities include arriving at the meeting site on Wednesday prior to the meeting’s official start. Judging teams meet and review the traditional artworks onsite to reach consensus on award winners. The digital salon is now judged remotely prior to the meeting and the teams meet via conference call.
Fellow Committee
Carolyn Holmes
The Fellow Committee oversees the AMI Fellow Program, which includes determining eligible activities and their corresponding points, ensuring accuracy in Fellow point tracking, and recognizing AMI Fellows annually.
Finance Committee
Being the financial arm of the Association of Medical Illustrators, the Finance Committee works with all of the other committees to develop a budget for the coming fiscal year. The committee advises the Board of Governors on financial matters and strives to create a fiduciary plan that will meet Association goals and member expectations. The committee also maintains a strong business model through short and long-term investments that are activity managed based on sound investment strategies and advice. It may seek professional counsel on matters of investments, audits etc.
Journal Editorial Board
Kelly Cloninger and Sam Bond
The Journal Editorial Board is headed by the Editor, one of the three Associate Editors of the Journal of Biocommunications (JBC). This committee is responsible for the solicitation, review, and processing of manuscripts and artwork for the publication.
We welcome members willing to be peer reviewers for submitted articles. JBC is always accepting manuscripts for consideration at http://jbiocommunication.org/.
Medical Illustration Source Book Editorial Board
This committee oversees the production, distribution and marketing of the Medical Illustration Source Book which is published by the AMI in partnership with Serbin Communications.
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is a standing committee of the AMI whose purpose is to process membership applications and guide new members through the process. The Committee continually evaluates our current services and benefits to ensure our members' needs are met. It develops member incentives and creates new benefits that help retain members and add value to their professional careers.
Mentorship Committee
Jennifer Fairman and Michael Boasso
The Mentorship Committee provides new Professional AMI members with a year long, personal one-on-one relationship with a leader in the association to support new member education and participation in association activities.
Nominating Committee
The Nominating Committee is made up of past presidents, past board chairs and the current President, President-Elect and Board Chair. The annual pool of eligible candidates is developed by individuals who would like to self nominate and/or is developed by members of the committee reviewing past performance of professional members in volunteer service to the association. The qualifications of each potential candidate are reviewed including: accumulated fellow points through participation and volunteerism to the association and profession, committee service in the capacity of chair and/or member and the enthusiasm expressed for leadership service to the association.
Online Learning Committee
The Online Learning Committee works to develop, disseminate and archive online educational media for AMI members. Its work helps members enrich their knowledge and practice with relevant educational materials while providing opportunities to earn Continuing Education Units.
Professional Guidelines Committee
The Professional Guidelines Committee educates AMI members, clients, and the general public on issues related to business practices and employment of medical illustrators. The committee gathers both statistical and empirical data through surveys, interviews, and peer reviews. The committee conducts a Compensation & Pricing Survey every 4 years. We write and update the Medical Illustration Business Practices booklet, Metadata Whitepaper, and the Client Guide to Working with a Medical Illustrator. Additionally, our members serve as liaisons and collaborators with other industry organizations including the International Association of Scientific, Technical, and Medical Publishers (STM), American Society of Illustrators' Partnership (ASIP), American Medical Writers Association (AMWA) and others.
Scholarship Committee Committee
Alison Burke and Natalie Koscal
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The scholarship committee reviews and ranks applications from eligible graduate students for Vesalius Trust Grants and for the annual Inez Demonet Award. Applications include a research project, transcripts, portfolios, and personal references. The process begins in November and ends in January for the Vesalius Trust awards, and begins in January and ends in March for the Inez Demonet award.
Undergraduate Education Committee
Kim Moss
The Undergraduate Education Committee serves as a source of information sharing and support for undergraduate educators and administrators in the field.
Sponsorship
Jennifer Duckworth
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Sponsorships of the AMI primarily center on benefits surrounding the Annual Conference, however other opportunities for exposure are available year-round. Although the formal committee was sunset in 2015, we are always open to hearing from members with connections to companies or groups you feel would be a valuable partner with the AMI and who you feel would benefit from being associated with our members. Feel free to contact AMI to facilitate an introduction or connection to a potential future AMI sponsor!
AMI Headquarters is managed by AMR Management Services
Rachel Poarch | Executive Director, Ex-Officio
Rachel Poarch joined AMR in 2013 and has served as AMI's Executive Director since November 2020. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication and has gained association management experience through many years of association service at AMR. She works closely with the AMI Board of Governors on strategic direction and fulfilling the association's mission. Rachel also provides committee support, financial management support, and marketing and outreach support.
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Sara Zach | Program Manager
Sara has been working with AMI since 2010 and joined AMR in 2009. She also provides support for the Nursing Organizations Alliance. In her position she provides association management services in the form of committee support, conference management, general correspondence, and membership management.
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Glen Ellwood, CMP, LES | Conferences and Events Manager
Glen has served as AMI’s Conferences & Events Manager since April 2011. After 20 years in the hotel industry he joined AMR in January 2010. He works with the National Association of State Chief Information Officers and the Association of Biomolecular Resource Facilities as well as AMI in conference management. In his position he provides services of meeting site selection and contract negotiation, ancillary services research and contract negotiation, and full-service conference logistics management.
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Leighann Neal | Association Administrator
Leighann joined AMR in January 2021 as an Association Administrator. She has a degree in Legal Studies and Psychology and a passion for working with non-profit organizations. Leighann delivers membership services, database administration, and event support for AMI other associations. She works closely with the management team to fulfill AMI's membership and event needs.
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Headquarters can be reached via This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or at the following address:
201 E. Main Street, Ste. 1405
Lexington, KY 40507
U.S.A.
Tel: 1-866-393-4AMI
Fax: 1-859-514-9166
Member Awards are presented to active members of the association, generally during the annual meeting. Various categories and descriptions of awards are provided here:
The designation of Fellow is a formal recognition of those AMI members who have generously contributed their skill, time, and effort to the Association by performing volunteer service. The purpose of the AMI's Fellow Program is to both recognize and encourage such volunteer participation in the activities of the Association.
Increased member participation results in a greater exchange of ideas and information, and ultimately benefits the entire membership. Member involvement with AMI leadership, professional committees, the Journal of Biocommunication, and annual meeting events helps insure that the AMI will continue to be a successful and growing professional association.
Fellow of the AMI (FAMI) is among the most distinguished honors bestowed by our Association. Being inducted as a Fellow is contingent upon attaining a minimum of 1000 Fellow points, and having faithfully served the Association. Each inducted Fellow receives a gold Fellow pin and a Fellow certificate from AMI's President and Chair of the Board.
2022
Kevin Brennan
Jen Darcy
Betsy Weissbrod
2021
Samantha Bond
Mica Duran
Nobles Green II
Marsha Jessup
Nick Klein
Leslie Leonard
2019
Thomas Nowacki
2018
Fabian de Kok-Mercado
Kevin Millar
Daniel C. Müller
Ian Suk
2017
Nicholas Woolridge
Scott Weldon
2016
David Cheney
Wendy Jackelow
Anneliese Lilienthal
Lori Messenger
2015
Jodie Jenkinson
Cassio Lynm
Shelley Wall
2014
Karen Bucher
Alison Burke
John Dorn
Graham Johnson
Joanne Haderer Muller
2013
Amanda Behr
David Ehlert
Lydia Gregg
Tami Tolpa
2012
Richard Gersony
Stephen Mader
Dave Mazierski
Cory Sandone
Joan Tycko
Ed Zilberts
2011
Robert Morreale
John Daugherty
John Harvey
2010
Todd Buck
Wendy Hiller Gee
Jill Rhead
Andrew Swift
2009
Ethan Geehr
Tonya Hines
Mary Jordan
Bob Shepherd
Catherine Twomey
2008
Marie T. Dauenheimer
Jill K. Gregory
John J. Martini
2007
Amy P. Collins
Jennifer E. Fairman
Carolyn R. Holmes
Gene N. Wright
2006
Christy Krames
Pamela C. Little
James A. Perkins
2005
Margie Caldwell-Gill
Chris Gralapp
Wayne E. Heim
Kathleen I. Jung
Mark Lefkowitz
Linda Wilson-Pauwels
2004
David A. Tilden
2003
R. Michael Belknap
2002
William C. Andrea
Carrie L. DiLorenzo
Richard C. Hall
Michael P. Schenk
2001
David A. Rini
Herbert R. Smith, Jr.
2000
Anne Altemus
Carmella Clifford Fifty
Keith Kasnot
1999
Paul R. Gross
Fredric M. Harwin
Margot B. Mackay
1998
Deborah K. Haines
Nicholas E. Mackovak
Christine D. Young
1997
David J. Mascaro
Thomas H. Weinzerl
1996
Scott Bodell
Samuel K. Collins
Peg Gerrity
Michael E. Leonard
John A. Nyquist
Linda A. Warren
1995
Charles H. Boyter
Kip Carter
Winifred J. Hamilton
Patrick J. Lynch
Kevin A. Somerville
Pat Thomas
Cynthia Turner
1994
(no Fellows)
1993
Lewis E. Calver
William M. Holmes
Rusty Jones
Stephen G. Moon
Gary W. Schnitz
1992
Alan E. Branigan
Delilah R. Cohn
Marcia Hartsock
Timothy H. Phelps
Karen L. Waldo
Charlotte A. Bauer
1991
Edmond Alexander
Mark Eppinger
Paul Zuckerman
1990
Brent A. Bauer
Carol Donner
William Winn
1989
William Andrews
Charles F. Bridgman
Bill J. Briggs
May S. Cheney
Steven P. Gigliotti
Gwynne M. Gloege
Craig G. Gosling
Jane Hurd
Alice A. Katz
David M. Pounds
1988
Algernon R. Allen
Scott T. Barrows
Ernest W. Beck
Joan Beck
Donald E. Biggerstaff
Margaret C. Brudon
William L. Brudon
Alan W. Cole
Ranice W. Crosby
Robert J. Demarest
Melford D. Diedrick
Marsha Dohrmann
Russel L. Drake
Martin Finch
Octavia Garlington
Harry A. Germagian
William P. Hamilton IV
Neil O. Hardy
Steven J. Harrison
Timothy C. Hengst
Gerald P. Hodge
Charlotte S. Holt
Emil W. Hospodar
Joel Ito
John W. Karapelou
Beverly A. Kessler
Denis C. Lee
Gary P. Lees
George C. Lynch
Mary Maciel
Teri J. McDermott
Diane L. Nelson
Betsy A. Palay
Nelva B. Richardson
Elizabeth M. Roselius
Laurel V. Schaubert
William R. Schwarz
Sue Seif
Maurice G. Sherrard
Thomas D. Sims
Perrin Sparks
Thomas A. Stebbins
William J. Stenstrom
Eleanor A. Sweezey
Edith Tagrin
Ruth C. Wakerlin
William B. Westwood
David J. Williams
Jean E. Wolfe
Phyllis Wood
The purpose of the Lifetime Achievement Award is to acknowledge and honor a medical illustrator who has been a Professional AMI Member for at least 30 continuous years, and whose life, work and accomplishments have significantly contributed to the profession and fellow illustrators.
This award is the highest honor bestowed by the AMI to an individual, reaching beyond the service awards and the list of charter and distinguished members, to recognize a special person who has enriched our lives and influenced our ideals.
2022 Lifetime Achievement Award Brochure
Current and Past Recipients:
2022 John Daugherty
2021 Linda Wilson-Pauwels
2019 Cynthia Turner
2018 William Andrews
2017 Sue Seif
2016 Christine Young
2015 Marcia Hartsock
2014 Gary Schnitz
2013 Timothy Hengst
2012 Steve Harrison
2011 Robert Benassi
2010 Bill Westwood
2009 Bill Brudon and Ruth Wakerlin
2008 Jane Hurd
2007 Martin E. Finch
2006 Victor Doray
2005 Alice Katz
2004 Don Biggerstaff
2003 Gary P. Lees
2002 Craig Gosling
2001 Edith Tagrin
2000 Carol Donner
1999 Herb R. Smith
1998 Eleanor A. Sweezey
1997 Neil O. Hardy
1996 Margaret Croup
1995 Laurel V. Schaubert
1994 William J. Stenstrom
1993 Melford D. Diedrick
1992 George C. Lynch
1991 Ernest W. Beck
1990 Leon Schlossberg
1989 Robert J. Demarest
1988 Gerald P. Hodge
1987 Ranice W. Crosby
1986 Russell L. Drake
Literary Award
The Literary Award is given to a member of the AMI who has contributed an outstanding article to the Journal of Biocommunication. The award winner is selected by the Editorial Board of the JBC.
Salon Awards
The recipients of Salon awards are selected by a panel of judges at each Annual Meeting. The judges are appointed by the Salon Judging Committee.
There are two award categories:
Award of Excellence: an illustration meeting the highest standards of the profession.
Award of Merit: an illustration deserving special recognition of achievement.
Outstanding Service Award
This recipient of this annual award is a professional AMI member whose actions or creations have had a significant positive impact on the profession of medical illustration. Examples are: authoring a book, public displays of illustration, significant work on copyright issues, etc.
25 Year Certificates
Certificates given to AMI members for 25 continuous years of membership.
50 Year Certificates
Certificates given to AMI members for 50 continuous years of membership.
Mission:
The Association of Medical Illustrators furthers the use of visual media to advance life sciences, medicine, and healthcare through a worldwide network of specialized interdisciplinary professionals.
Vision:
The Association of Medical Illustrators is recognized as the premier global resource for promoting the power of visual media to advance scientific understanding, communication, education, and research. We are key partners in the process of scientific discovery, knowledge transfer, and innovation.
Guiding Principles:
We promote the highest levels of competency, professionalism, and ethics among our members and throughout our community of industry partners.
We cultivate collaboration within a global network of colleagues who can contribute to our mission.
We serve society as visual translators between the expert and novice, the scholar and student, the physician and patient.
The AMI is comprised of over 800 members across 4 continents. Historically, our roots are in medical textbook and journal publishing. Now, as technology and digital media transform both science and communication, AMI members are on the leading edge of this dynamic multidisciplinary frontier.
The AMI is an international non-profit founded in 1945 and incorporated in Illinois as a 501(c)(6) Professional Association.
Diversity and Inclusion Statement:
The AMI, as the premier association of professionals who create visual media to communicate concepts in medicine, healthcare, and the life sciences, is cognizant of the impact our visual communications have upon the people and institutions who use them. We therefore commit to using our unique skills to fairly represent the diversity of the world in which we live and to model that consciousness within our own membership.
We recognize our common humanity and that an understanding of each other and the variety of perspectives we bring to the AMI enriches us all. This compels us to build and support a community of highly skilled professionals who value diversity and welcome people of any color, race, age, sex, gender expression and identity, sexual orientation, appearance, religion, ethnicity, nationality, and disability
We best serve our clients and the public when we reflect the richness of our whole society both in our members and in the images we create.
We intend that this commitment foster a more innovative, creative, and dynamic culture within the AMI and a more humane society throughout.
The Archives of the AMI represents the history of the Association gathered since its organization in 1945.
The collection includes:
- List of officers and committee chairs
- Minutes of board meetings
- Committee reports
- Correspondence of historical significance
- Financial reports
- Information about annual meetings
- Applications for membership
- Directories
- Journals
- Newsletters
- Group photographs of members
- Candid photographs of meeting activities
- Slides of entries in recent annual salon exhibits
- Small amount of original medical art
First AMI Annual Meeting, Philadelphia 1946, Tom Jones is fourth from left in front row. Muriel McLatchie is seated next to him.
In 1937, W.B. Saunders and Company, medical publishers, chose to honor Max Brödel as a way of celebrating the 50th Anniversary of their first copyright. Brödel was a master artist, medical and scientific researcher and scholar, and was the first Director of Art as Applied to Medicine at John Hopkins. Brödel spoke with pride about his 27 years of teaching and his graduates who had gone on to work as medical illustrators in universities, hospitals, research institutes, and clinics. Brödel's students were destined to become a large percentage of the founding members of the Association of Medical Illustrators.
Muriel McLatchie, another Hopkins graduate, went to Boston in the early thirties and later established a unit of Medical Art at the Massachusetts General Hospital. She felt acutely the need for a professional society for medical artists. In 1944, she enlisted the help of Tom Jones, Professor of Medical Illustration at the University of Illinois Medical School. Tom Jones understood the use of visual education in medicine and envisioned the future medical artist as multi-disciplined. His experience and guidance lent the support that was needed - this was the turning point in the establishment of a professional association.
On July 10, 1944, Muriel McLatchie visited Chicago and met with a group of medical illustrators at the University of Illinois Medical School. They were known as the Nucleus Committee of Five. This Committee was composed of medical artists representing five geographical sections: East (Muriel McLatchie), West (Ralph Sweet), North (Tom Jones), South (Jack Wilson or Elon Clark), and Canada (Marie Wishart). The Nucleus prepared a Constitution and By-laws, applied for a Charter, designed an application form for new members, and enlisted 4 more medical artists from each geographical section for a total of 20 members by the summer of 1945.
By January 1945, Jones had been selected Chairman of the Nucleus Committee and the date of July 16, 1945 was chosen for the meeting in Chicago to launch this new association.
During July 16 -19, 1945, thirty medical illustrator delegates gathered in Chicago for the purpose of organizing a society, which they named, "The Association of Medical Illustrators." The object of the AMI would be: To promote the study and to encourage the advancement of medical illustration and allied fields of visual education, to promote understanding and cooperation with the medical and dental professions including public health and nursing, and to advance medical illustration.
The meeting was held at The University of Illinois College of Medicine in Chicago. In the span of four days, these delegates not only decided on the Constitution and By-laws, but also on the dues of the organization, the categories of membership, the election of additional medical illustrators to charter membership, the election of officers, the election of the Board of Governors, and the dates of the fiscal year. Charter membership of the association was about 55 illustrators.
First elected AMI officers:
President: Tom Jones
Vice President: Willard Shepard
Secretary: Muriel McLatchie
Treasurer: Elizabeth Brödel
Chairman of the Board: Elon Clark
The first Board of Governors meeting took place Thursday, July 19, 1945. The Committee on Education, Committee on the Ethics of Publicity, Finance Committee, Committee on Membership, Committee on Professional Relations, Committee on Publications and Directory, Committee for Suggestions and Ideas on Insignia were all established by February 6, 1946.
The First Annual Meeting of the Association of Medical Illustrators was held in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, September 23 - 26, 1946. About forty members and guests were present. The Constitution and By-laws were adopted by unanimous vote.
President Jones gave a remarkable address. He began by stating that medical illustration was virtually non-existent in the early 1900's. He went on to talk about the changes wrought by the impact of photography, motion pictures and animation, the introduction of medical exhibits. He also commented that 3-dimensional teaching aids would be much more in demand. How right he was, even though he could never have envisioned the astonishing work of the computer in the world of 3-dimensional art. In conclusion, President Jones said that one of the primary concerns of the Association would be the training of the medical illustrator via the Committee on Education. He also pointed out the need of a registry, a newsletter, and even a journal.
By March 1947 Graphics #1 was published. It was the official AMI newsletter containing an introductory essay by Elizabeth Brödel, reports from Officers, Committees, and the Chairman of the Board of Governors.
Condensed from text by Robert Demarest and Edith Tagrin in The History of the Association of Medical Illustrators 1945-1995, edited by Robert Demarest © AMI 1995
Members can find the entire article in the Member Community Library
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Subcategories
In Memoriam Article Count: 27
We celebrate and honor members who have passed away.
The AMI is a collaborative community of professionals. The unique talents and accomplishments of each individual member contribute to this dynamic profession. Over the years, many close bonds form among members. This serves as a reminder of the achievements and extraordinary work each person has contributed to the field of medical illustration. These members are greatly missed by their friends and colleagues in the AMI.
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