OREGON UROLOGY INSTITUTE
Medical Illustrator/Animator Internship
2021
MEDICAL INTERNSHIP
I assisted in drafting a storyboard, animating graphics, and constructing a presentation for their upcoming project for BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia) patients. Animated slides help focus on the treatment GPS and initial assessment of symptoms and visualize illustrative treatment demonstrations that provide for BPH pathway. It offers the patients an educational experience involving all aspects of visual design and self-care.
​This project involves creating animated slides & graphics and a video / visualization (“treatment GPS / assessment of symptoms”) for patients with BPH. The goal is to help patients understand what to do—initial symptom assessment, treatment options, what to expect—through visual design. This includes:
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Helping patients recognize symptoms of BPH / lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
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Showing the diagnostic / assessment pathway (“GPS”) so patients understand when to see a provider, what tests might be done (urinalysis, digital rectal exam, PSA, imaging etc.).
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Visually demonstrating treatment options (lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures, surgeries) and what patients can expect from them.
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Emphasis on self‑care and patient empowerment via visual learning.
Sketch Development
In preparation for the upcoming presentation, I developed a series of sketches and a comprehensive map to visually articulate the spatial dynamics and functional flow of the Oregon Urology Institute. Collaborating closely with the medical team, I gathered critical insights into the clinic's operational needs and patient experience. These discussions informed the creation of a dynamic video concept that seamlessly integrates architectural design with patient-centered care. The sketches serve as a foundational tool, guiding the narrative of the video and ensuring that the final presentation effectively communicates both the aesthetic vision and the practical considerations of the project.
From recent literature and medical sources which support the need for your educational material, and provide context.
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BPH is a very common condition in men as they age.
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Prevalence increases with age: ~40‑50% of men in their 50s, over 70% in their 60s and even more in older decades.
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It causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), which include: frequent urination, urgency, nocturia (waking up at night to urinate), weak or intermittent stream, hesitancy in starting, sense of incomplete bladder emptying.
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There are risks if BPH / LUTS are left untreated: urinary retention, recurrent UTIs, bladder stones, potential bladder or even kidney damage.
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Treatment is stratified by severity: mild symptoms may be managed with lifestyle changes and observation; moderate to severe symptoms often require medications, and if those fail or are unsuitable, minimally invasive or surgical options are considered.
