You are either right brained or left brained — you are either creative and freethinking or scientific and logic-based, and never the two shall mix. Or so the reasoning goes. But for some lucky people, they’re fortunate enough to be good at both. This ability can be seen in those who choose the profession of medical illustrators, using their artistic talent and strong knowledge of the medical and scientific fields to create informational illustrations that garner many uses.
Medical Illustrator: Where Art and Medicine Come Together
What do medical illustrators do?
If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the medical illustrator is instrumental in helping medical students, laypeople and professionals alike understand the complex world of science and medicine through visualization. For example, it’s much easier to learn about the anatomy of the heart by seeing a 3-D labeled illustration versus just reading about it.
Although most people think that the only thing medical illustrators do is textbook illustrations, the Association of Medical Illustrators (AMI) notes that while that is one part of their duties, there is much more to this profession than people realize.
Medical animation, molecular simulation, educational game design, health app design, augmented and virtual reality applications, strategic and collaborative design and user-experience design are all areas in which medical illustrators work and are highly valued, according to the AMI.
Applying to a medical illustrator program
Given the extremely limited number of graduate medical illustration programs in this country, and the fact that each program only accepts between seven and 20 students, the competition is fierce.
The interesting part about this graduate degree is that prospective students will come to it with very diverse backgrounds. Undergrad degrees can range from an actual medical illustration degree to a science degree such as biology or chemistry, or even an art degree.
Since this degree involves art, a portfolio is required as part of the application process, but anatomy, physiology and general medical background will be equally as important. Speaking with a program advisor is always recommended as some programs may emphasize certain qualities or skills over others.
Where do medical illustrators work?
Because this field has expanded significantly with the advancement of technology, medical illustrators have more career options than ever.
- trade and consumer publications
- textbook, journal and eBooks illustration
- courtroom exhibits
- courtroom exhibits
- patient education
- mobile health apps
- health games
- museums
- veterinary and dental markets
- augmented and virtual reality simulators
They’re in demand at places such as universities, hospitals and medical practices, publishing companies, software companies, pharmaceutical companies, law firms, and government agencies; however, many medical illustrators are self-employed or supplement their income with freelance work.
How much do medical illustrators make?
Unlike other fields in the fine arts category, medical illustrators are far from ”starving artists.” The median salary for these professionals is around $61,948. The more knowledge you have in things like digital animation and UX design, the higher the pay.
Between the varying types of industries and the ability to freelance in this field, medical illustrators can make a healthy living in this career.
The Bottom Line: If you have that somewhat rare combination of artistic talent in addition to excelling in the medical and science fields, then getting a master’s degree in medical illustrating may be a wise choice for your career. As the health care and scientific worlds are ever-evolving and growing, medical illustrators will be a necessary part of educating professionals and laypeople alike.