This September, the work experience team was delighted to welcome Krishnapriya for a placement with our exceptional medical illustration yeam.
With undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in Multimedia and Video Production, experience as a texture artist in the animation industry, and a long-standing passion for photography, Krishnapriya joined The Christie to explore a career path that combines creativity with healthcare.
Throughout her career journey, media and visual storytelling had always been at the heart of her work. However, after exploring a range of creative roles, she found herself searching for a profession that would allow her to use those skills in a more meaningful and purposeful way. It was during this search that she discovered the field of medical illustration.
After researching NHS trainee opportunities and seeking feedback from recruitment processes, Krishnapriya was introduced to the Institute of Medical Illustrators (IMI), which further strengthened her interest in the profession and helped her better understand the skills and experience required for a future career in the field.
Having spent almost a year seeking an opportunity to gain insight into medical illustration, she arrived at The Christie eager to learn more about the role and its impact on patient care.
Reflecting on her experience, Krishnapriya said: "I was super excited and curious because I had waited nearly a year for this work experience opportunity. I learned so many new things, gained clear direction, tips and advice for the future, and received far more support than I could have expected. The team was truly inspiring and treated me as one of their own. Who you work with makes such a difference, and I genuinely believe I was given the absolute best team."
During her placement, she was particularly interested in understanding how clinical photographers communicate with patients, obtain consent, maintain professionalism in sensitive situations and work collaboratively as part of a healthcare team.
One of the aspects that stood out most was seeing the vital role Medical Illustration plays in supporting patient care. I saw how important it is to make patients feel safe and comfortable. I also learned that every photograph must be taken consistently and to strict guidelines, helping clinicians accurately monitor healing and treatment progress.
Krishnapriya, medical illustration learner
Throughout the placement, the team supported Krishnapriya in developing her portfolio while providing valuable insight into the technical skills, professionalism and patient-centred approach required within the specialty.
Currently working as a freelance texture artist while continuing to build her knowledge of medical photography, Krishnapriya hopes to secure a trainee role within an NHS medical illustration department in the future and ultimately undertake postgraduate study in Clinical Photography.
Krishnapriya's placement highlights the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for aspiring professionals to explore specialist careers that are often unseen by the public but are fundamental to delivering high-quality patient care. Medical Illustration is a unique profession that sits at the intersection of healthcare, creativity, communication and technology, supporting clinicians, patients, education and research. By opening their doors to learners, teams such as Medical Illustration help raise awareness of these rewarding career pathways and inspire future talent to see how creative skills can make a real difference within healthcare.
A huge thank you to Kelsey Thompson, Georgia Woodcock and the wider medical illustration team for their generosity, encouragement and unwavering support throughout Krishnapriya's placement. By welcoming aspiring professionals into their department and so willingly sharing their knowledge and expertise, they provide invaluable insight into a fascinating specialty while helping to showcase the diverse range of careers available within the NHS.
We wish Krishnapriya every success in her future career and look forward to seeing where her journey takes her next.
Referrals and enquiries
All widening participation initiatives are managed by Lydia Botley. For referrals, collaboration opportunities or to speak with the team, please email the-christie.workexperience@nhs.net