Institute of Medical Illustrators

Description

Founded in 1968 to bring together the several disciplines of medical illustration, for over 30 years IMI has set and maintained standards for the profession.

For its membership, IMI provides a rich network of fellow professionals, working together to improve and develop medical illustration by means of conferences, courses and regional meetings. IMI introduced the first Diploma in Medical Illustration in this country and in conjunction with Glasgow Caledonian University, this was validated as the first BSc in Medical Illustration in the world. IMI provides its members with the umbrella of a Code of Conduct, a Code of Responsible Practice and a Continuing Professional Development scheme, which guarantee employers well qualified and up-to-date staff. The Fellowship of IMI is the advanced practitioner grade and is a prized distinction, demonstrating outstanding professional achievement.

IMI has negotiated full registered status with the National Register of Medical Illustration Practitioners for all its qualified Members who, since 1st January 2001, are entitled to use the letters RMIP after their names.

IMI's major refereed publication, the Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine, is widely recognised as the leading European publication in the field, while IMI News, its sister publication, carries up-to-the-minute reports of current activity.

All grades of membership are able to apply for grants for the Turnbull Travel Fund, which was established to provide travel expenses to members for conferences, courses and other personal professional development activity. They are also able to enter several significant competitions each year.

For employers who care about standards, the appointment of IMI Members offers guarantees of truly professional performance. In addition, IMI offers advice on grading and provides experienced Members to act as outside assessors on interview panels.

At a National level, IMI constantly campaigns to improve recognition of the profession and is the principal body named by the DHSS for consultation by Trusts on matters concerning Medical Illustration. IMI is an active member of the Committee for the Accreditation of Medical Illustration Practitioners (CAMIP) and is working with that body to seek national registration of all medical illustrators.

IMI will continue, unashamedly, to promote its standards to government, to employers and to potential Members. Without a doubt, IMI membership and qualifications provide a solid foundation on which to build a successful career in medical illustration.