Our goal for our clients is always to produce the highest quality, highest educational value product within a reasonable budget. When the final outcome is recognized and honored by our peers, the Association of Medical Illustrators, the experience is even more rewarding. We were honored to receive the AMI Award of Merit at the Salon in this year's annual conference. See our online salon entry here https://meetings.ami.org/2019/project/autosomal-dominant-polycystic-kidney-disease-model/ or view the entire online salon https://meetings.ami.org/2019/onlinesalon/. We began this project as we begin most projects, with some sketches and a conversation. We have some great contacts and mediators in the pharmaceutical industry, so many clients know the effort that goes into BSI projects and move forward with trust. Marcelo’s connections with overseas manufacturing allows for ease of communication and the most up-to-date regulations and best practices in producing large volume models. His international expertise is one of the many reasons client's reach out to Marcelo to create custom models. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) is an inherited disease in which fluid-filled cysts develop on the kidney, which over time damages functional tissue. Other complications develop as the kidney cannot perform its filtration as efficiently. With the kidneys deeply hidden inside the body, most practitioners (besides surgeons) and patients have not ever seen a polycystic kidney. The relative size difference is shocking. Sometimes a shock factor is necessary to get the message across to a patient that may be at high risk for developing the disease. Managing the disease and preventing further progression is always the goal, and if a patient holds a polycystic kidney in their hand, they may just listen and adhere to their doctor’s orders. Prior to our model, we were aware of a silicone-based polycystic kidney model in the industry, showing varying degrees of disease progression. This model was beautiful, and accurately portrays texture, size, weight, and feel of polycystic kidneys. However, the cost and materials of this model is not conducive to mass production and distribution among urologists. This is where our client came in, with a request to create an educational piece, affordable to distribute to many healthcare providers in the industry. The client wanted an educational product that showcases a diseased kidney (life size), compared it to a healthy kidney and had relevant disease information for both patient and prescriber. Marcelo often combines models with stands that include a back display panel or pull-out tabs. The client's final piece will be dependent on the amount of information to be displayed. Although BSI has access and knowledge in 3D software, we specialize in the creative and accurate content and left the manufacturing company with the task of producing the 3D model. They have their own talented staff on hand and with some back and forth guidance we were able to achieve the look we were going for with the accuracy that was required. As you can see, we went from 2D concept art to 3D model with ease. Most companies have evolved with the times to create models started with a digital model that is 3D-printed as a test run. As little as a decade ago, the model would be sculpted into clay. The industry is adapting to the digital world. Communicating and implementing revisions via a digital model has become the preferred method of sculpting. Rather than viewing photographs of the model or visiting on-site, the client can now send an .STL file and we can view all angles of the model to provide feedback in minutes. Once a final 3D-model has been approved, a 3D-printed model is generated for both the design team (Body Scientific) and the client to be able to feel the product in their hand and visualize the product on the display stand. Although we are visual people and can imagine the final outcome, it is important that the client can follow the design process and feel comfortable moving forward with each step. Additionally, it is a last minute chance to make any final requests or revisions. Once the factory creates a steel mold, the final shape will not allow for any changes. The pharma industry is a unique one in that all aspects of the project must go through rigorous medical, legal, and internal review processes and follow strict standards and requirements. We make sure all of our references are well chosen and organized for best content development. And we work with internal departments and outside agencies, in this case, CDM New York, which had already developed content for collateral polycystic kidney products that were already approved through the intensive review process. Now that the model concept and prototype have been approved, we have the expectation to produce a final model (at large quantitites!) that matches exactly the specs that have been accepted. A big challenge with the project is the manufacturing industry is used to opaque paint and simple paint-by-number type application. Marcelo knew that airbrushing the models would be a challenge but necessary to achieve the desired effect, of somewhat transparent cysts with very thin walls. Also the crew requires a very minimal color palette as they mix colors and follow a recipe, similar to PANTONE color system to achieve a uniform and consistent color palette. How can we achieve a wide range of color and looks with a minimal color palette. Although we can communicate with the manufacturing partner easily through Skype and WhatsApp, Marcelo hopped on a plane, as he usually does, to go to the factory in person and make sure they understand the process. While he is there, might as well paint one or two samples as reference guides for the talented workers to follow. Once the color is in place, there is the decision of shine. How glossy or matte does the final product need to be? A protective coating is necessary and a few options are applied to see which has the desired outcome, after all, a polycystic kidney should have a wet sheen. Everyone in the production line has a specific task, in this case, the base will be painted opaque following the reference sample. The final airbrushing technique is applied by more skilled artists that have experience with consistency and reproducibility. Our client and the industry has been so pleased with the final outcome, we are happy to announce they placed a second order. Not only will the model be distributed to more healthcare professionals, but also polycystic kidney disease will be a more accessible topic. Sparking patient-doctor conversation and overall increasing the knowledge in the community of an otherwise not well-understood disease. Marcelo, Carolina, and Lik (Team Bodyscientific) would like to thank everyone who worked so diligently on this project including Michelle M, Remya C, Erin M, Steve H, Charles H, Tiffany H, Nelson T, Micheal F, Jason G, Kevin G, Sean H, Claire M. Read more about our educational promotional services here. If you are interested in Marcelo's guidance for creating a custom model for your educational and promotional needs, please contact us today. We enjoy bringing concepts to fruition and into the marketplace.

We like to have a little fun here at BSI. #Unscienceananimal is trending on twitter. Scientists and science lovers are deconstructing an animal or cell down to layman terms so that everyone can understand its anatomy. Or more accurately, down to hilarious terms that are renamed to get the point across, such as chompers or flap-flaps. Either way, any excuse to get the general public excited about science, we are on board! Here is our contribution.

BSI has partnered with Civiam to provide high quality anatomical models for medical education in Brazil! We are offering a bonus e-learning experience with the product, the newly-launched QR Anatomy! Each anatomical model comes with a QR code, customers/students can scan the code associated with the model to launch a mobile site containing online study materials related to the body system of the model at hand. You can take the information with you and study the related anatomy on your mobile device. The site contains popular Body Scientific illustrations to best educate the user about the basics of anatomy. Take the chapter quiz to test your knowledge on the body system. Sign up as a new user and get additional access to the site (or sign up for member subscriptions as the site expands with more study materials). As a user, you will receive email updates on new features available, free downloads, additional quizzes, and more! The best part, the site has been translated into Portuguese! You can choose between studying in Portuguese or English and become a bilingual anatomy expert! BSI Approved Anatomy models made their debut at the COBEM Brazilian Congress of Medical Education in Vitória, Espírito Santo on Nov 1, 2018. The Civiam booth showcased the QR-enhanced models and had great interest and turn out. The QR Anatomy site is expandable to our clients. We can create an individual landing page for a desired product or topic. Samples of branded product sites and disease topic sites are available upon request. Please contact us for individual inquiries at info@bodyscientific.com

Marcelo and Carol were invited to speak at a local high school, as part of Arts Fest week, in which artists from various arenas come to speak to art students about possible career paths they could pursue. We were quite happy to be invited. Many young students don't really know this is an option for them. We were able to talk about our personal paths to this profession and what indications to look out for in your artistic personality that would make you a good candidate for a professional medical illustrator. The attending students were a mixture of intro and advanced art students as well as AP biology and anatomy students. You don't have to know at such a young age if this is the right career path for you, however, just being aware of this field is a benefit as you self-evaluate your strengths and interests. The professional field of medical illustration is so much more than just illustrators. It includes web designers, animators, e-learning educators, creative directors, modelers, photographers, just to name a few. We wanted to make sure these young creatives are aware of all the areas that need visualization. This newest generation of artists were most interested in augmented reality. We have to keep in mind, our field is always changing with ever-evolving technology and the future will be determined and pioneered by the emerging professionals. If you would like us to come to your event to speak about medical illustration, please email us at info@bodyscientific.com.

Great news! Body Scientific International has become NMSDC certified! What does that mean? BSI is officially registered as a minority-owned business recognized by the Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council (CMSDC). For more information, visit www.NMSDC.org Day-to-day business at BSI will go on as usual, the benefits come to the corporations looking to work specifically with minority-owned businesses. With the growing need of supplier diversity, the council helps connect minority-owned businesses with global partners whose needs match their services, products, and solutions. Marcelo will be attending the annual conference, this year at Austin, TX, for the Business Opportunity Exchange session. BSI offers a wide range of services, from medical education, product design, brand imprinting, and government tenders, to name a few. Marcelo is ready to meet with dealers, buyers, and contractors to discuss their needs and see if BSI can play a role in their business ventures. BSI is already well-established in the global market, this networking opportunity will just showcase what BSI can do for existing and new partners. For new clients whom may have stumbled upon this page, I welcome you to browse around our services page to see everything we offer. Or come find Marcelo at the Business Opportunity Exchange and tell him about your company. A quick highlight of the services we provide: • Medical illustration • Art program project management • 2D medical animations • Augmented reality enhanced products • Medical promotional products • Brand imprinting on BSI products • Anatomy and pathology product line • Custom print product design • Custom model design • Online enhanced learning with QR codes BSI looks forward to meeting you! Let's connect in Austin!

We are excited to announce our 3-tab lenticular, raised-relief model of Understanding the Effects of Heartworm Disease created for Boehringer Ingelheim. The client wanted to showcase how heartworm disease is a disease of the pulmonary arteries! The worms become lodged in the smallest capillaries of the pulmonary circulation and grow outward toward the heart, hence the nickname "heartworm." The disease does not originate in the heart, which is a common misconception. We attempted to solve this with a lenticular front panel which shows the stages of disease progression beginning in the pulmonary arteries. As the consumer moves the panel, the worms progress toward the heart, through the pulmonary valve and into the right ventricle, eventually becoming intertwined with the chordae tendineae of the tricuspid valve. The tabs discuss the cycle of the heartworm, pathology of the canine, and most importantly prevention. Heartworm can be easily prevented so the client wants to educate the veterinarians and dog owners the dangers of heartworm disease so they act early to prevent infection. The back of the tabs have surgical photographs of the pathology. It is important for the veterinarians to understand the scope of the disease. Body Scientific created all artwork and content, reviewed by a canine heartworm expert and also the client's medical legal review process. Body Scientific worked with partners overseas to develop the model, pass inspections, deliver on schedule, and ensure perfection in branding guidelines. Marcelo frequently travels overseas and is able to visit and work directly with the factories to troubleshoot any difficulties and make sure the quality meets BSI's highest standards. AMI members were able to get a sneak peek of the model at this year's salon in Newton, MA. We received a production sample just in time to submit it to the annual exhibit, showcasing the best of the best in current work by AMI members. You can view the online salon here. http://meetings.ami.org/2018/project/understanding-heartworm-disease/ This project is a great example of a custom medical promotional item. BSI has extensive experience bidding on projects and providing exceptional quality for mass production of a promo item. If you are interested in learning more about custom promo models, please contact us anytime.

Marcelo and I had the pleasure to host a surgical workshop at the prestigious Center for Advance Medical Simulation & Learning in Tampa. We had a great turn out, enthusiastic comments, and met some incredible educators. Body Scientific hopes to get more involved in the surgical skills training and anatomical lab scene. We have some great skills to offer and visual know-how to aid in education in this market. More information coming soon. Also, the sunshine was a great escape from the overstayed midwest winter in mid April.

Marcelo just returned from his two week trip to Taiwan and Hong Kong. He visited the production factory to work out the final details for a recent custom model project and offered advice to improve the current production sample. Marcelo is one of the only project managers I know that is this "hands-on" with the final product, including flying thousands of miles and using a hand file to smooth out the resin of the mold to make it just right. With production in good hands, he then headed over to Hong Kong to attend the Gifts & Premium Fair, April 26-30, with his printing partner POP 3D Co. to highlight the Body Scientific line of patient education products; ranging from charts, notebooks, lenticular books, etc.

This is our tenth publication with Goodheart-Willcox and first released publication of 2018. Body Scientific is the sole artwork provider for Goodheart-Willcox’s anatomy and physiology division. We had the pleasure to work on their latest Nursing Assistant book. The book highlights step-by-step illustrations to assist the caregiver to carry out the responsibilities of a holistic, nurturing assistant. Project Manager: Carolina Hrejsa. Medical Illustrators: Carolina Hrejsa, Amanda Tomasikiewicz, Paul Kelly.

We had an incredible time at Arab Health this year at the Dubai Expo & Convention Center, Jan 29–Feb 1. This was Marcelo's 3rd time attending Arab Health. We had brought some samples of BSI products and had many requests from expo visitors to buy or keep these samples at the end of the show. You can now find BSI products in private practices in Ghana and Lebanon. We also had some meetings with current clients and agents in the Dubai region. In the evenings, we explored some of the popular attractions and markets. We also were able to attend the USA pavillion reception dinner at the Palace Dubai resort, with breath-taking views of the Burj Khalifa at night. With daytime temperatures in the low 70s, this was the coldest Arab Health on record.

January 8, 2016 Here is an example of one of our new anatomical model & chart kits. The new fold-out chart folds and fits nicely into the model base. It can sit on a shelf or desk, but easily opens up into a large chart for viewing and studying. No more charts restricted to a wall! You can hold this one in your hands! The laminated material can be written on with a dry erase marker and wiped clean. The back of the chart is a copy of the front without labels so it can be used for a teacher’s lab quiz, or self-assessment resource. We currently have the Brain, Skull, Spine, (1/4 scale) Skeleton, and Neuron kits available. Please email us for more inquiries!

March 16, 2016 Body Scientific recently worked in collaboration with a promotional company and a pharmaceutical company to create an educational product intended for a doctor’s office or waiting room. The flip book and chart highlight the differences between a seizure and epilepsy, and also discuss the main types of seizures. Our team worked alongside their medical experts and editors to streamline production and get the products ready for fast-approval from the medical board review. The flip book features a raised-relief cover, full-color illustrations on each page, and double-sided printing so the doctor and patient each see the same page as they sit across from each other. The chart contains similar content as the flip book, with eye-catching visuals and valuable seizure information. The products are already making their way into doctor’s offices and the response has been overwhelmingly positive! We love creating exclusive products, with brand-new illustrations and content to make a notable market presence!