Medical illustrators are specially trained artists with advanced education in the biomedical sciences, cutting edge digital media, and the principles of visual communication. Collaborating with scientists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals, medical illustrators translate complex scientific information into visual images that support medical education, science research, patient care, advertising, and litigation.
RIT’s graduate program in Medical Illustration is one of only five such programs in North America and the only program in the Northeastern U.S.. The two-year program combines training in human anatomy (with complete cadaver dissection), histology (the cellular structure of organs), and pathophysiology (the study of disease) with extensive training in 2D and 3D digital graphics, interactive media, and animation. Illustration projects are designed for use in print, projection, broadcast media, and distribution via the web and mobile devices.
The program emphasizes visual problem solving, determining the best approach to communicate a difficult concept. Students also gain real world experience collaborating with medical researchers and observing live surgery in the operating room. The program culminates with the production of a thesis project, which requires extensive background research and an original body of artwork on a complex medical topic.