Creating Medical Illustrations with AI: Why You Shouldn't Risk It

Generative AI is revolutionising many industries, but when it comes to creating medical illustrations, there’s one undeniable truth: AI simply can’t replace the expertise of a qualified medical illustrator. The risks of relying on generative AI for medical images are too significant to ignore, as highlighted by recent high-profile examples of AI failures that have embarrassed employers, damaged reputations, and undermined trust.

The Problem with AI-Generated Medical Illustrations

Medical illustrations require precision, accuracy, and a deep understanding of human anatomy, pathology, and medical concepts. While AI can generate images quickly, it lacks the ability to validate its own work. This fundamental flaw leads to inaccuracies that can have serious consequences. A striking example of this was the Boston Globe’s use of an AI-generated X-ray illustration of an arm, which included three bones in the lower arm—an anatomical impossibility. Such mistakes not only undermine credibility but can also misinform and mislead audiences.

AI-generated medical illustrations might appear visually appealing, but without proper validation, they pose significant risks:

1. Inaccuracies: Generative AI doesn’t have the knowledge or training to understand the complexities of medical science. Errors, like adding extra bones or misrepresenting anatomical structures, can easily go unnoticed.
2. Professional Reputation: Using flawed medical illustrations can embarrass organisations and individuals, potentially jeopardising careers and eroding trust in the brand.
3. Patient Safety: Inaccurate medical visuals can lead to miscommunication in educational or clinical settings, potentially impacting patient care and outcomes.

Understanding How Gen AI Works to Create Images

It is important to understand how Generative AI (Gen AI) actually creates an image to then appreciate why you should not use it for specialised medical illustrations. The Gen AI models 'learn' by looking at thousands of examples that it is told what they are. This is where the problem starts as the body is very complex and a file might be labelled the heart but is in an cross section, is it healthy, what is showing, what is not for example. Gen AI is good at understanding the difference between a dog and a cat but the valves of the heart? The bones of the hand, how a disease presents to a clinician? This is a different level.

The Gen AI model is being trained on lots of images, flowers, what people wear etc and so its not focused on medical subjects nor is it designed to be accurate. It is designed to produce something new. Most us a technique called Text-to-Image Models. Models like DALL·E and Stable Diffusion generate images from text prompts. They map text inputs (processed through natural language understanding) to corresponding visual elements. In basic terms they try and understand what you asked for and then come up with their best guess based on what they have been previously trained on. 

Why Choose Certified Medical Illustrators not Gen AI?

Qualified medical illustrators, like Dr. Joanna Butler, bring years of training, experience, and a rigorous understanding of medical science to their work. Every illustration created by a certified medical illustrator is validated for accuracy, ensuring it meets the highest standards of accuracy and representation of often niche and specialist subjects. At the Medical Stock Images Company, our illustrations are created by Dr Joanna Butler, an expert who understand the nuances of anatomy, pathology, and visual communication—qualities that no AI tool can replicate.

Dr. Butler has spent her career creating beautiful medical illustrations that also have to fulfil a specific brief and need. Her work reflects a commitment to accuracy, communication excellence, and professionalism—values that generative AI simply cannot emulate.

The Better Alternative to Gen AI: Medical Stock Images

For those searching for high-quality medical illustrations, there’s a safer, more reliable option. Medical Stock Images offers a vast library of professionally created illustrations that are:

• Accurate: created by certified medical illustrators.
• Diverse: Covering a wide range of medical topics, including specialised content.
• Ready to Use: Available for instant licensing, saving time and ensuring quality.

When you choose The Medical Stock Images Company, you’re investing in precision, reliability, and trust—qualities that protect your brand and your career.

Learn from the Mistakes of Others

The Boston Globe’s experience with AI-generated medical imagery serves as a cautionary tale. Don’t risk your company’s reputation or your own professional standing by relying on unvalidated AI-generated illustrations. Instead, trust the expertise of certified medical illustrators who can deliver the accuracy and quality you need.

The Models Haven't Asked For or Paid to Use Artists Work

There is also a moral issue here. If you think about these models learning about how things should look it is one thing ingesting thousands of openly posted social media posts, but a very different thing using artists entire back catalogue of illustrations that they display on the internet to win more commercial work or to license. Here the artist earns a living by creating or licensing their work that has taken often decades of training to create. Should these models be taking their intellectual property for free? Should people be using these gen AI systems to try and create images that can only be created once the AI has learnt from the hard work of humans, and without paying for it. What do you think? 

Have Questions?

If you’re considering using AI for medical illustration creation or have queries about our stock images, we’re here to help. Visit our Contact Page to get in touch with our team. We’re happy to guide you to the right illustration for your needs.

The Strengths of AI Are Not Ready To Go Solo On Medical Illustrations

While generative AI has its strengths, it falls short when it comes to creating accurate and reliable medical illustrations. Don’t leave your reputation to chance—choose the expertise of certified medical illustrators and the trusted resources available at Medical Stock Images. Search our library today and ensure your medical visuals meet the highest standards of quality and accuracy.