MedSpeak Illuminated: The Art and Practice of Medical Illustration

I loved this book. Such a comprehensive book on the history of medical illustration, its use in medical education, its role in teaching humanism and compassion and it effectiveness for communication. The best chapter is "The Accidental Medical Illustrator" where the author shows several pieces of art throughout history and examines them from the medical angle. So interesting. Each point in the book has a corresponding image---which I highly appreciate as a visual person. This is THE book I have been looking to read about the history of medical illustration---would recommend for those interested in medicine and art.

Dr. Francois Luks is simultaneously a brilliant educator, innovative surgeon, leader, and a humanist---who writes about art in medicine in a captivating and accessible manner.This insightful and beautifully illustrated book describes the history of medical illustration from its beginnings as well as the establishment of medical illustration as a field. Dr. Luks also explains the many depictions of human diseases may be seen objectively in famous works of art, but also elaborates on how the ailments of and the subjective experiences of the artists’ themselves may also be seen in their own works—important lessons in perspective taking.He also sheds light on important ethical issues and the “dark side” of medical illustration such as grave robbing, the Pernkopf atlas, and the lack of diversity in medical illustrations.Unlike many historical texts, Dr. Luks writes in such a way that is comprehensible, memorable, and enjoyable way regardless if the reader has previous knowledge of either art history or the history of medicine.Effective communication is the cornerstone of scientific illustration as well as patient care—this is a must read for all clinicians, scientists, medical and art historians, and quite frankly, anyone who has ever known someone who became sick.

This book is a fantastic book full of surprises. At first glance, one gets the impression that it is full of "how-to" techniques teaching oneself the methods of medical illustration. Until one opens the actual book and delves into an incredibly well-written and well-illustrated world of art history. The examples accompany a summary of the actual historical medical cases. The book is just the right length and very clearly written. The author, a talented pediatric surgeon, poured his skills and his knowledge of art into this book. I recommend that everybody interested in art and the history of medicine read this book. Also, it is a perfect gift for students and art-loving adults, something to keep in mind when the holidays sneak up on us.

I was looking for a resource to share with my pre-health professional students about medical illustration. I could not have been luckier to find this book. The author is so passionate and knowledgable. Medical illustration has a long and storied history. Dr. Luks writes both about its past and its present use in education and scientific storytelling. He shares some fantastic techniques and all levels would benefit from reading this book.