Michael Dean Giamo: Medical & Scientific Illustration

Michael Dean Giamo began his highly artistic career in 1977 studying fine art at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. He also had a keen interest in the sciences and in applying his skill in art and design to enhance medical education. In 1979 he applied and was accepted into the prestigious medical illustration program at Ohio State University. He received a BS in Allied Health Professions in 1981 from the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Trained in biomedical communications, he was also certified through his degree as a medical and scientific illustrator. Mike studied an advanced medical and surgical curriculum while concurrently undergoing training to develop expertise in a variety of medical media techniques - including high-quality airbrush, carbon dust, pen-and-ink rendering, production of color overlays for medical graphics, video production, and medical writing/communications. Mike also learned printing techniques, photography and film development, and even discovered humor through art by delving into medical cartooning for education. After graduation, with the advent of the then-new field of desktop computing, Mike became skilled in the production of high-resolution computer graphics and animation as well.

Mike practiced his craft for more than 5 years at both the Cleveland VA Medical Center and Case Western University Hospital. In 1983 he started his own graphics production business, Wave Multimedia, and eventually moved to southern Ohio, where he free-lanced for a variety of hospitals in the Dayton-Cincinnati metroplex, and produced educational computer graphics for NCR Corporation at their Sugarcamp training facility.

Computer-generated image of red blood cells Returning to the Philadelphia area in mid-1986, Mike decided to pursue new career opportunities in medicine, higher education, computer-based interactive multimedia production - and eventually - high-quality web design. He developed complex projects for a variety of major corporations, public utility companies, and universities. Still involved in the medical art field, he continued to work for independent physicians and medical research facilities. A recent example of his online work in the medical field is the interactive web site he produced for Dr. Dennis Monteiro of Plastic Surgery Specialists in Valley Forge, PA. This web site demonstrates his various talents in design, information architecture development, and patient education specialties.

Multiple samples: brain tumors and cerebral metastases

As the desktop computer continued to take hold in the late 1980's in education, Mike developed interactive products such as cross-platform CD-ROMs and touch-screen kiosks for medical centers and museums. He developed a video-based touch screen kiosk in the early 1990's on the subject of Drexel University history - combining imagery, narration and the use of hypertext technology - which was eventually put on display to the public at the Franklin Institute Science Museum. By the mid-1990's Mike began spending more of his time in the development of sophisticated web sites, learning advanced techniques and keeping up with the rapid growth in computer and audio/visual technology.

The combination of his various talents in the arts, including graphic design and original video and music production - and later with very creative computing projects permitted him to pursue careers in multiple directions in academe: in medical art for the web, as an instructor in Drexel's IT department, and later as Director of University Web Communications. This was followed by a position as Director of Academic Communications for the Office of Provost at Drexel University, which allowed him to work for many different academic units at Drexel including the Schools of Nursing, Public Health, and Medicine.

Mike has worked as an intern, a full-time employee (and also free-lance artist) for a variety of hospitals and medical schools in Ohio, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania since 1978. During the early 1980's he began working with early versions of the new form of technology known as 'computer-generated graphics,' which included experimental 2 and 3-D animation, and early QuickTime™ interactive digital video products. By 1989 he moved onto other, more advanced forms of educational media.

Mike culminated his 23 year career at Drexel University when he worked for five years at the Drexel University Earle Mack School of Law, designing, programming and maintaining a comprehensive web site which became the school's student resource base, student recruitment tool, and primary communications vehicle.

Mike continues to work in the Philadelphia area as a web designer/consultant, print and multimedia producer, and media consultant. His primary client-base includes the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Design (PennDesign), an opportunity he has had for more than a decade.

In the fall of 2009, Mike decided to further his studies in medicine and the healing arts and is currently enrolled in the pre-nursing program at Salem Community College, in Carneys Point, NJ, where he is pursuing a degree in nursing.