Definition of Occupation

A medical illustrator is a professional artist with a demonstrated artistic ability and a detailed knowledge of human and animal anatomy who create many different types of medical illustrations and animations for a variety of purposes. They create illustrations of human anatomy and surgical procedures for books, lecture presentations, instructional films, medical advertisements, professional journals, exhibits, legal proceedings, magazines, web-based media, and television. They may also work in 3-D, creating anatomical models for teaching, and prosthetics for patients. They work with physicians, scientists, and other specialists to transform complex scientific information into accurate visual images. Some prefer and specialize in certain anatomical areas such as the eye, or in a particular facet of medicine or surgical specialty. They use the most up-to-date graphic design software, but often use more traditional methods of illustration.