The British Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) annually recognizes excellence in clinical photography, healthcare design, and clinical video. The IMI awards, which include Gold, Silver, and Bronze, also feature a Platinum award for outstanding contributions.
At the annual IMI conference held in October 2024, Åsne Rambøl Hillestad, a medical photographer at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, secured two notable awards.
"Being recognized by IMI for my images means a lot. Their standards are the benchmarks we use to develop our own," Hillestad says. She works at the Medical Photography and Illustration Service (FOVIT) at the Institute of Clínical Medicine.
"The annual conference in England allows us to see current trends in the field, exchange ideas with international colleagues, and learn from a myriad of workshops," she explains.
Both award-winning images were captured in collaboration with doctors at Rikshospitalet Hospital.
"I am very grateful for the collaboration on these images," she adds.
Gold for fluorescent rash in armpit
Hillestad won the gold award for a photo of a fluorescent rash made visible with UV light.
In awarding the gold, IMI noted that the entry demonstrated "exceptional use of technique, understanding, and interpretation of the subject, illustrating and fulfilling the task at hand."
"This photograph was commissioned by dermatologist and researcher Christoffer Ingvaldsen, who used it in an article in The Journal of the Norwegian Medical Association. He provided his own Wood's lamp, the UV light source used in the photo," Hillestad explains.
Silver for 3D-Printed skull model with orange tumor
The silver award recognizes an entry that shows exemplary use of technique and an excellent understanding of the task, although without the deep interpretation required for a gold award.
The silver-winning photograph depicts a 3D-printed skull model with an orange tumor. The skull was created by Celine Krefting, a medical technology specialist, in collaboration with orthopedic surgeon Stefan Huhnstock.
"The 3D model was generated during the planning process for a surgery. It allows surgeons to analyze the complexity of the case in detail and is also used as a guidance tool in the operating room," Hillestad notes.
A day in the life of a medical photographer
Hillestad's daily work as a medical photographer is highly varied.
"We photograph or film patients, either in our studio at Rikshospitalet Hospital, on a ward, or during surgery," she explains.
"We also handle communication tasks, portraits, and image editing," she adds.
She enjoys the mix of patient photography and communication photography that her role at Clínical Medicine entails.
Sensitivity and openness to patients' situations
When photographing patients, standard parameters must be adhered to.
"It’s vital that the results are consistent each time, regardless of who is photographing. This consistency aids doctors and nurses in monitoring patient progress," Hillestad explains.
"Photographing patients involves being sensitive and understanding of their situations, which are often not the best as they are in a hospital. It’s important to make the process as non-intrusive as possible," she continues.
She and her colleagues spend time finding good and practical solutions in challenging situations.
"We often photograph patients in cramped spaces with many healthcare personnel. Therefore, there's little time for photography to take up too much space," she points out.
Creativity in communication assignments
In addition to patient photography, Hillestad frequently collaborates with the institute's communication advisors to photograph individual researchers, research groups, events, and more for news stories and research dissemination.
"The communication aspect of the job allows for much more creativity. It is also very varied. It’s exciting to follow what’s happening at the institute and faculty and contribute to research dissemination," she says.
"I always appreciate being asked to do this part of the job. I'm glad they value professional photography and don't just rely on smartphone cameras," she emphasizes.
Meeting people and situations
Hillestad finds her profession as a photographer highly rewarding.
"One of the best things about being a photographer is that the camera acts as a key that opens up opportunities to meet people and see situations one would not normally have access to," she says.
She also praised her colleagues at the Medical Photography and Illustration Service (FOVIT).
"It's invaluable to have colleagues who are on the same page. We are a great team of three enthusiasts who help each other, are flexible, and highly skilled. We are all passionate about developing and maintaining the highest standards in medical photography," she comments.
Well-deserved recognition
Astrid Aksnessæther, the assistant Director at the Institute of Clinical Medicine, expressed her pride in Hillestad's achievement at the IMI Awards.
"We congratulate Åsne on winning both gold and silver for her photos! The awards are a well-deserved recognition of her creativity and professionalism. We are very proud to have such talented team members at Clínical Medicine," Aksnessæther praises.
"She and the entire Medical Photography and Illustration Service are invaluable resources for us," she adds.
About the Institute of Medical Illustrators
The Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) unites various disciplines within medical illustration, including clinical photography, medical art, illustration, graphic design, and video for healthcare.
Since 1968, IMI has set and maintained standards for the profession.
The members of the institute are a highly specialized and skilled group contributing to patient care and education in medicine and related healthcare fields.
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