Medical Illustrator

Duties and responsibilities

Medical illustrators are those rare individuals who have demonstrated artistic ability and a detailed knowledge of human and animal anatomy, as well as knowledge of surgical and medical procedures. They create graphic representations of medical or biological subjects for use in textbooks, pamphlets, exhibits, instructional films, civil/criminal legal procedures, and teaching models. Medical illustrators are increasingly turning toward technology to help them perform their duties. They use the most up-to-date computers and graphic design software to describe and illustrate a variety of complicated medical concepts and processes. Medical illustrators can even specialize in certain anatomical areas such as the brain or heart. A major function of the medical illustrator is assist in education and research. They are often called upon to draw illustrations or produce three-dimensional models in order to assist teachers and other medical professionals with difficult biological concepts. An individual interested in this line of work should be detail oriented and also be creative enough to communicate their ideas visually.

Salary

The median salary for a medical illustrator or medical animator is $62,000 and can range up to $100,000.

Education

To become a medical illustrator, you typically need at least a bachelor’s degree that combines both art and pre-medical coursework. Although this may be the minimum education needed to work in this field, it is very common for medical illustrators to have a master’s degree in medical illustration, as many employers require it.

Reflection

No I would not like to become a medical illustrator simply because I’m not good at drawing and it seems complicated in some way.