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With Cleveland’s world-class hospitals, museums, and college of art and design all in one high-energy neighborhood, it’s little wonder the Association of Medical Illustrators is drawing a record crowd for its 2015 conference here.

Some 450 medical illustrators from across North America are converging on Cleveland – and CIA – for four days of workshops, plenary sessions and TED-style talks by physicians, scientists, software experts, artists and others.

“When you’re talking about a small profession like medical illustration, 450 is a pretty impressive number,” said Associate Professor Thomas Nowacki, above, chair of CIA’s Biomedical Art Department.

He will welcome attendees for a series of workshops at CIA on July 22, the first day of the conference. Other venues include the Cleveland Museum of Natural History; Dittrick Medical History Center at Case Western Reserve University; and Cleveland Clinic, the official host of the conference. Cleveland Clinic CEO Toby Cosgrove will deliver the keynote address.

“There are so many medical, scientific and cultural venues here in Cleveland’s University Circle; so it’s a great place to have this conference,” Nowacki noted.

It’s also a great experience for current students. “Students get to meet other professionals that have been in the field for a long time and they can talk to these professionals about the best way to pursue a career. We share techniques, share experiences, and it’s a big networking opportunity.”

At least three CIA alumni are among the presenters. Maria Burke, 2009 graduate and current exhibits and design manager for Cleveland Museum of Natural History, will lead a workshop on ornithological taxidermy; Bill Nottingham, 2001 graduate and principal at Nottingham Spirk, will give a talk on innovation; and George Kozmon, 1982 graduate, fine artist, and curator, will teach a workshop on life drawing.

Ted Kucklick, 1984 graduate and president of medical device firm Cannuflow, Incorporated, will be in attendance as a professional member, event photographer, and member of the Association of Medical Illustrators Sponsorship Committee.

Also on deck, the annual contest of work by professionals and students. CIA students have brought home seven awards in this contest over the last four years.

“It’s a big deal,” said Nowacki. “I never pass up an opportunity to get our students’ work out there.”