Illustrations used for a website and video giving information to patients diagnosed with bladder cancer.

Simple illustrations designed to show human cells in the introduction of a video about genetic counselling for patients with cancer.

Medical art comes in a variety of forms and it is wonderful to marvel at the skills involved in producing life-like anatomical illustrations for clinical professionals.

However, it is sometimes less obvious just how much skill is required to illustrate anatomy and physiology in a way that patients can understand. Just as we need to use language that is familiar to everyone, artwork should also be designed for clarity and simplicity. These illustrations by Dee McLean are good examples of the art of patient and public information.