Medical illustrator

Your tasks will depend on your specialism. As part of your day-to-day tasks, you may:

• record a patient's condition using a digital camera or video
•  take photographs to monitor the effectiveness of operations and treatments
•  use specialist equipment and techniques to capture 3D images of structures like the eye, and to record specific procedures
•  work closely with doctors, nurses and patients in hospitals and university medical departments.
•  photograph non-accidental injuries, in forensic photography
•  provide bereavement photography for grieving parents
•  copy evidence from slides and x-rays
•  use software to produce presentations
•  create visual materials for teaching and research purposes
•  produce photography and artwork for publicity materials, annual reports, staff newspapers and websites

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of the fine arts
• thinking and reasoning skills
• design skills and knowledge
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be flexible and open to change
• to have a thorough understanding of computer systems and applications

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• working towards this role

With experience, you could progress to a management role. With further study, you could also move into research or teaching.