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A case is made for the use of plain drawing in communication between anaesthetists and patients, other doctors and administrators. Suggestions for the application of drawing to anaesthetic practice are made and notes on sending work for publications are provided.

A three-dimensional model is utilized in an attempt to develop a complete picture of the many facets of biomedical communications. This model provides a suitable visual structure from which to explore the complex interactions of individuals, institutions, and activities in defining the field of biomedical communications. The first dimension of the model was developed through a historical overview of the environment of the biomedical communicator and suggests that changing organization goals, client needs, technology, and resources have influenced the evolution of different types of biomedical communicators. The second dimension of the model identifies five major work roles that may be performed by the biomedical communicator of today. The final dimension of the model is developed by a consideration of the major communication methods (illustration, photography, cinematography, television, audiovisual, and computer) of the biomedical communicator.

A survey questionnaire was developed to request general information about each program as well as specific information on internship objectives, what interns do, internship sites, benefits, problems, preceptors, evaluation, coordinators, contracts, and support services. Questionnaires were sent to the directors of 17 programs, and to the chairman of the internship committee of the Association of Medical illustrators, all of whom responded. The 15 useable responses from program directors were divided according to type of program, compiled and analyzed separately. Respondents agreed that an internship is a valuable experience for medical illustration and biomedical communications students.