What Is Medical Photography?
Medical Photography refers to a photographical documentation of patients used for recording medical procedures or diagnosis through stages of treatments. It can be contrasted from other forms of photography since it requires more analysis.
What Are The Duties Of A Medical Photographer?
A medical photographer usually uses his/ her photography services to assist nurses, scientist and doctors with diagnosis. They work mostly in theatres. The images are used for reconstructive surgeries, reproducing radiography images which are documented for research and educational slides. They can be also used by internet doctors as a documentary.
They are also required to take pre-operative and post-operative photographs of patients for evaluation. They are found to work mostly in Medical Schools in medical illustration departments
. Their major tool of trade is a digital camera with a flash.
Benefits Of A Medical Photographer
• They enjoy salary post.
• Medical photographers are always sought-for as the demand never ceases to grow.
• They enjoy medical and life insurance.
• Good pension plan.
Requirements Of A Medical Photographer
The following are some of the common traits that a medical photographer should have
• Should have clinical experience such as basic knowledge of medical terms, anatomy and diseases.
• Should be able to work with the best equipments for optimum quality for each individual case.
• Should be a scientist or have a keen interest in science and medicine
• Should be up to date on new and improved softwares for editing of images which is important.
Work Environment of a Medical Photographer
Medical Photographers spend majority of their time behind their desk working on images, in a dark room working on preparing images or at the drafting table. They are sometimes found visiting operating rooms.
Though there are few graduate programs on medical photography they are a very important part of the medical sector. Without medical photographers, we would not be able to see images of certain diseases, infections, physical symptoms and stages through treatment.
USE OF MEDICAL PHOTOGRAPHS
In cases of diseases
such as cancer, we get to see images of patients before and after treatment. The same applies with plastic surgery. A few more uses of medical photos include;
For Clinical Use -This is the main area that makes use of medical photographs, videos and even audios are saved in the patient’s clinical file where they are used to make notes and build their medical profile. In plastic surgery, a photographer must be available throughout the process and after recording, the photographs should be securely archived.
In the modern medical world, paper documentation have given way to E-documentation of medical reports. This has further increased the responsibility and security of the clinical staff, as they would be held responsible if there should be any leaks or theft of these records. Maintaining secure clinical records is in the best interest of the patient but a well maintained and organized record is in the best interest of the medical team as well.
For Academic Use – This information can also be made into videos for educational purposes
. The use of these photographs showing real patients can be used to train medical students and para-medical staff. It also benefits the medical community by improving quality of care.
For Research Purposes – While these files may be kept away from the public, they can be access for research purposes in form of photographs, audio or videos. Researchers can use the information obtained to either improve on medical treatment methods or even produce a new treatment plan.
For Commercial purposes -The photos can also be used for nonmedical purpose; the images can be recorded for advertisement. An example is in the case of plastic surgery where the images showing a person’s transformation as a result of this surgery is recorded for adverts. However, this has to be assented to by the patient since the cultural considerations and the sheer need to represent the patient’s will is more important.
These photos can be uploaded on to the internet or screen on television stations. Although some argue that there is an educational value to society, there are arguments against the use of recorded images of patients for commercial purposes. Some of the opponents of this viewpoint argue that:
1. Some patients are recorded against their will.
2. Some patients may feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or emotional during the process.
3. The presence of a photographer may be a distraction and conflict of interest, for the health care providers.
4. Photographing/videoing patient without patient approval is clearly a violation both the patient’s privacy and clinical ethics and code.
There is clearly so much to learn about medical photography
but at the very least, we can say it is one great way to master the art while also making some money out of it.