Natalie Yoshioka

I grew up in Timonium, Maryland, and majored in Biology and Animation at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County to prepare for medical illustration graduate programs before attending UIC. I’ve always enjoyed biology and loved oil painting in my spare time, so medical illustration felt like a perfect fit.

Following graduation, I worked as a TA for Anatomy and Physiology at UMBC and as a medical scribe at urgent care sites around Baltimore to gain more experience in the medical field. I’m constantly using knowledge garnered from working with various medical providers, like medical terminology and clinical applications, as a first year BVIS student. During the first semester, I became enamored with human dissection and greatly enjoy sketching from cadavers. My classes also allowed me to explore new technology like interactive media, haptics, and virtual reality applications for learning unique or complex anatomy. Using these new imaging programs, I’ve realized that there are many innovative ways to investigate anatomy and medicine.

I am eager to continue developing my visualization skills and my ability to communicate complicated information. Medical illustration unifies two subjects I am passionate about and I am so excited for the opportunity to pursue this career.