About the Program
The program emphasizes anatomical and surgical illustration for print and electronic
publication, as well as for projection and broadcast distribution. Because of the
importance of good drawing skills, our students learn a variety of traditional illustration
techniques during the first year. Computer technologies and digital techniques used
to prepare both vector and raster images for print, projection, animation, and multimedia
are also extensively integrated into the curriculum. In addition to being skilled
artists, medical illustrators must be knowledgeable in anatomy and the health sciences.
Our students study communication theory and illustration techniques, and take graduate-level
science courses, such as gross anatomy and cell biology, in the medical school.
During the second year, students refine their illustration skills and are introduced
to the various media, rendering styles and illustration techniques used by contemporary
professional medical illustrators. They also learn professional production techniques
for interactive communication media. In addition, they spend time each week in the
operating room observing and sketching. Assignments are based on their observations,
and are developed with the guidance of our internationally renowned faculty.
Visual problem-solving is a crucial skill for the professional medical illustrator.
Throughout the curriculum, the faculty work with the students to develop their problem-solving
abilities. In addition to formal classes, seminars and lectures, our students learn
by hands-on performance, by participating in project critiques, and by cultivating
creative thinking in peer-to-peer interactions. To better prepare our students to
be productive in the rapidly evolving world of communications, class assignments are
designed to give them not only theoretical knowledge but practical experience as well.