Overview
At the intersection of science and art, medical illustration transforms complex medical and scientific concepts into clear, engaging visuals. Our mission is to enhance understanding and communication in healthcare, research, education, and patient care through expertly crafted illustrations.
We collaborate closely with healthcare professionals, researchers, and educators to create visuals that are both scientifically accurate and visually compelling. Every project is developed with meticulous attention to anatomical precision, clarity of communication, and the needs of the intended audience.
Medical Illustrations Team

Vanessa L. Dudley, MSHS, is an accomplished Medical Illustrator and Research Program Manager with over 20 years of experience at Weill Cornell Medicine. Since joining the institution in 2004, she has seamlessly integrated her expertise in clinical research administration with a strong background in visual communication to advance academic and clinical initiatives.
Currently a Research Program Manager in the Division of General Internal Medicine (GIM), Vanessa is also a professional member of the Association of Medical Illustrators. Her work supports a range of educational and research efforts, including multimodal interventions designed to enhance patient self-efficacy and self-care, particularly in individuals with new urinary diversions.
With more than 15 years of experience in medical illustration, Vanessa’s work has been widely published in textbooks, clinical guidelines, training materials, and peer-reviewed journals. Her illustrations have appeared on the covers of Urology Practice, Asian Journal of Andrology, and Office-Based Procedures in Andrology (Springer). In addition to her visual contributions, she has co-authored several research publications focused on male reproductive health and surgical techniques.
Services
Professional medical illustration services are available to both internal and external clients. Each project is tailored to meet the specific needs of the audience, whether for education, publication, or legal use while maintaining the highest standards of scientific accuracy and visual clarity.
Book Illustration
- Professional / Medical Trade
Detailed, anatomically precise illustrations for textbooks, surgical atlases, and clinical reference materials. Designed to support physician education, surgical training, and professional development. - Consumer Health
Clear, accessible visuals for general health books and anatomical guides aimed at the public. These illustrations simplify complex topics while preserving medical accuracy.
Editorial Illustration
- Consumer Publications
Engaging, visually appealing graphics for newspapers, magazines, and online media. Ideal for simplifying scientific or medical topics for a general audience. - Professional Trade Publications
Visuals for trade magazines and non-peer-reviewed journals targeting healthcare professionals. Emphasis on clinical relevance, current practices, and practical application.
Academic Illustration
Custom illustrations for lectures, academic posters, webinars, online courses, and institutional websites. Content is tailored to the educational level and curriculum requirements.
Med-Legal Illustration
Visual support for legal contexts, including:
- Patent applications
- Litigation and courtroom presentations
- Forensic analysis
These illustrations prioritize clarity, neutrality, and factual accuracy for legal review and communication.
Opportunity
For medical illustration services, please send an email at vad2003@med.cornell.edu for project intake and consultation.
Medical Illustration Portfolio
Anatomy of the lung. Copyright WCM Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery
Anatomy of the heart. External anterior anatomy, internal anterior anatomy, and superior internal anatomy. Copyright WCM Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Full Version of Medical Illustration Portfolio
medical_illustrations_portfolio.pdf
*These images are protected by copyright and may not be reproduced without prior authorization.
Contact Us
Please contact our team via email at vad2003@med.cornell.edu for medical illustration services.