Frequently Asked Questions
Who does VME do work for?
Presently VME is assigned to particular strategic areas within Emory School of Medicine including Brain Health, Surgery, and Transplant, with occasional work done on a case-by-case basis outside of those areas. We work with both University and Emory Healthcare faculty and staff.
What is a medical illustrator?
A medical illustrator is a scientist, and artist, and an expert at design-related technology. They use these skills to teach medical concepts to a wide variety of audiences including patients and families, students, trainees, and the public.
Why not just use a photo or video?
Sometimes we do! We use our skills where they are most needed… in telling a story that would be difficult, or less desirable to do with photos or videos. Illustrating a surgical wound, for example, is more patient-friendly than showing a gruesome photo to the patient. Illustrating a molecular process that has never been seen, a new surgical technique that has been proposed, or redesigning a set of instructions are all jobs that couldn’t be accomplished using photos or videos alone. We do work closely with Emory photo and video professionals and other teams to ensure that the right medium is always used to address a particular need.
What kind of work has your team done?
Scientifically-accurate 3D animated movies, molecular modeling, 3D CT reconstructions, 3D printing, interactive apps, PowerPoint slides, journal article illustrations, content for apps, app interface design, textbook covers and illustrations, infographics, information design, virtual and augmented reality. The 3D technology at the heart of much of our work translates very well to a lot of different platforms. To see some examples of our work, check out our cases studies.
How do I initiate a project?
Check out our About Us page to find one of our team members to contact. Inquiries from outside of Surgery, Transplant, and Brain Health can be directed to the Team Leader, Michael Konomos.
How much does it cost to work with you?
If your project is related to Surgery, Transplant, or Brain Health, then the only costs will be those incurred by the project itself – for instance if a programmer needs to be contracted to build an app, if a device needs to be purchased, etc. For those outside these strategic areas, requests are handled on a case-by-case basis based on how the project aligns with SOM priorities.
I need something later this afternoon. How long does this take?
Oh no! We’ve all been there. Please call us now! We’ll talk about what your options are. In general, you’ll have the most options and get the best results if you give us advance-notice. A single illustration or 3D print might take a week or two, animations can take months, and an app might take a year or more depending on complexity. Give us a call and we will try and help you find an solution.
Do you program apps?
No, but it is possible that we can help you identify someone inside or outside Emory that does. We just do the visual content that goes into the app, and sometimes the look and feel of the app interface.