Leonardo Da Vinci sparked a revolution in the realms of science and art. Since his time, medical science has been learned and taught with the aid of images [1]. Today this union of art and science is recognized as an exciting career. Biomedical visualization “combines visual problem-solving skills with knowledge of science, visual arts, education, communication, and an array of media technologies” [2]. The career focuses on communicating medical and biological concepts by means of visual representation — from prints and film to computer graphics and physical models.

The job of a medical artist then is to use “direct observation and description of biological, medical and surgical procedures, processes, and phenomena” to set up visual media. This can be narrowed down into three major areas in the field: illustration and design, computer visualization, and three-dimensional model design and prosthetics [2]. In the area of illustration and design, artists focus on creating imagery for instructional and promotional usage. Their work can be seen in textbooks, medical and scientific journals, websites, and advertisements.

Computer visualization uses cutting-edge technology to create animations and three-dimensional displays. This area has also been exploring virtual reality to better aid in medical and surgical procedures, and it enables the complex representation of anatomical functions and biological processes.

Lastly, three-dimensional model design and prosthetics create more direct contact with patient care. They engineer hand, leg, and facial prostheses, as well as surgical implants and even oculars. People in this particular field also design the anatomical models commonly found in the classroom or doctor’s office, and they can even go a step further and reconstruct forensic models.

UIC has a leading facility and department of biomedical visualization. According to Mr. Scott Barrows, Graduate Program Director & Clinical Assistant Professor of UIC’s Biomedical Visualization Program, UIC “is the largest of the 4 accredited programs in the United States.”

The department features a two-year graduate program that places emphasis on courses in anatomy, the sciences, visual arts, communication, and computers. The first year consists of a general foundation for practice in the field, while the second year allows students to design courses of study in relation to their interests and career aspirations. Students also have the opportunity to get involved in project research as well as gain clinical experience. Most graduates go into medical illustration or animation, and Barrows points out “UIC also teaches students in the only maxillofacial prosthetics program and virtual reality medical laboratory in the country.”

A degree in Biomedical Visualization opens doors to a wide variety of opportunities. “It is not a singular or specific application... Students work in a variety of businesses or locations, although most desire to have their own business someday,” says Barrows.

The UIC Biomedical Visualization (BVIS) department is currently performing many projects, such as a virtual reality and animation study of the cervical spine, immersive design and fabrication of cranial implants, and the application of computer-aided design to manufacture cranioplasty plates [2]. UIC has done much for maxillofacial prosthetics, finding missing children (The BVIS department developed age-progression techniques used to find almost 30 missing children), medical animation, medical virtual reality, medical sculpture, and medical illustration. According to Barrows, UIC is the international leader for biomedical visualization and applications. In fact the professional organization in medical illustration was started by UIC’s program founder.

Beyond medicine, medical artists also vastly contribute to fields in law, advertising, and scientific research [2]. This career allows artists to work as designers, advisors in the creation of instructional and promotional materials, producers, and directors. “Medical science has always been taught visually. Doctors still need books illustrated, and every new surgical procedure needs to be illustrated. Scientists studying how to cure a disease or kill a tumor need to see how drugs might sneak across a cell membrane and change its function,” says Barrows [3].

“Life would be very dull without what we do,” says Barrows, “and many people just would not understand many complexities or concepts. Remember, a picture is worth a thousand words.” These artist-designers truly help lead doctors and scientists in understanding medical phenomena, who then, in turn, are able to better serve society.

The UIC Department of Biomedical Visualization, under the College of Applied Health Sciences, has an informational webpage on the career and the UIC program. It features a brief overview of both these topics, a frequently-asked-questions section, and even a gallery of some of the work of current faculty. Visit the website for more information: http://www.uic.edu/ahs/sbhis/bvis/index.htm.