As we usher in a new edition of the Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine, it brings me great pleasure to reflect on the recent success of the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI) Conference held in November 2023 in Cardiff. The conference served as a vibrant platform, fostering the exchange of knowledge and ideas among professionals in all areas of medical illustration, from photography and graphic design to ophthalmic imaging and virtual reality. Heartfelt congratulations to those individuals who were honoured with awards. Your dedication to advancing visual communication in the medical field is truly commendable and the quality of the submissions sets a high standard for next year. Such recognition not only acknowledges individual achievements but also contributes to the collective elevation of standards in our field.
The Journal also awarded two awards this year and a special congratulations goes to Jonathan Brett and Julie Kelly who received the Readers’ Choice Award for their manuscript ‘An exploratory ergonomic evaluation of musculoskeletal risks for ophthalmic photographers who use ophthalmic imaging equipment plus user equipment trials’ which was published in Volume 46 (1–2). Congratulations also to Nicholas Ilic, Alan Prescott, Caroline Erolin and Michael Peter who won the Taylor & Francis Award for their manuscript ‘Representation in the medical illustration: the impact of model bias in a dermatology pilot study’, published in Volume 45 (3–4).
In the spirit of celebrating excellence, I extend an invitation to our readership to consider submitting manuscripts to the Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine. Our journal serves as a conduit for disseminating cutting-edge research, innovative practices, and insightful perspectives. By contributing to the journal, you not only share your expertise with a global audience but also play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our discipline.
In the upcoming edition, you can anticipate a curated selection of articles that explore the intersections of technology, artistry, and healthcare. From the intricacies of medical imaging to the aesthetics of graphic design in medical education, each contribution is a testament to the dynamic nature of our fields.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Journal of Visual Communication in Medicine community and I look forward to showcasing your work in future editions throughout 2024.