Welcome to the Department of Art as Applied to Medicine

Leaders in visual science communication and clinical anaplastology

Medical and Biological Illustration Masters Program

Clinical Anaplastology Masters Program

Visual Communication Services

Illustration, animation, 3D modeling and more…

Graphic Design Services

Prosthetics Clinic

Medical & Biological Illustration Graduate Program

Our 2-year MA degree program is dedicated to excellence in the visual communication of science teaching the most up-to-date technologies in the field.

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Clinical Anaplastology
Graduate Program

Our 2-year MS degree program gives students clinical experience in custom somatic and maxillofacial prosthetics while learning the latest innovations in the field.

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Production Services

Illustration, animation and video, graphic design, 3D modeling, websites—collaborate with our faculty on your next project. Book a free consultation to explore our fee-for-service options.

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Prosthetics Clinic

Patients can schedule an appointment and visit our clinic for custom maxillofacial and somatic prosthetics with our Certified Clinical Anaplastologists.

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The Department of Art as Applied to Medicine is a leader in the field of visual communication for science and health care.

Built on a strong foundation of scientific knowledge, artistic technique, and clear visual communication, we maintain the highest standards of the profession while embracing new medical, scientific, and communication technologies.  We are dedicated to training the next generation of medical illustrators and clinical anaplastologists.

Faculty and staff in the department support the visual communication needs of today’s healthcare professionals by creating high quality illustrations, animations, graphic design, interactive media, 3D models and visualizations.  Our clinical faculty design and create custom facial, ocular, and somatic prosthetics for patients. The department is the birthplace of professional medical illustration in North America; we preserve 130 years of extraordinary work in our archives of historical and contemporary medical illustration.

Events

2026 Grad Show Poster thumbnail

19 May 2026

2026 Thesis Presentations

Save the Date: Tuesday May 19th, 2026 at 3:00pm EST

Class of 2026 Thesis and Capstone Presentations and Grad Show Reception.

More information to follow.

monona terrace conference center lake view

29 July – 1 August, 2026

2026 Annual AMI Conference

Celebrating the 80th, this year’s meeting will be held at the Monona Terrace Community & Convention Center, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, on the shores of Lake Monona in Madison, Wisconsin.

What is Medical Illustration?

Medical illustration blends expertise in visual communication, science experience and artistry to create clear storytelling for all types of audiences. The work supports education, research, patient care, public relations, and marketing. Medical illustrators serve as visual problem solvers, often conducting research, collaborating with experts, and observing procedures as part of their process. The field is evolving quickly due to advances in science and technology. As discoveries grow, the demand for accurate and effective communication in medical illustration continues to increase.

What is Anaplastology?

Clinical anaplastology is a specialized field focused on the restoration and replacement of facial and body parts lost due to trauma, disease, or congenital conditions. Custom prosthetic devices are created, such as artificial ears, noses, and limbs, using advanced materials that closely mimic the appearance and texture of natural tissue. The process involves detailed assessments, 3D imaging, and close collaboration with medical professionals to ensure optimal results. This not only enhances physical appearance but also improves patients’ psychological well-being and quality of life.

Latest News

Visit our news section for the latest updates on departmental and graduate program events, faculty and student awards, publications and other happenings.