BVIS offers innovative concentration in anaplastology
Introduction
In fall 2026, the Biomedical Visualization master’s program will officially begin a new concentration in anaplastology, a specialization for providing custom restorative prostheses to patients who experience loss or alteration of anatomy of the face or body.
To be eligible for the concentration, BVIS students must meet with BVIS program director Leah Lebowicz ’12 MS BVIS and anaplastology advisor Erin Stevens ’10 MS BVIS, complete an application by week 12 of the student’s first spring semester in BVIS and obtain a grade of B or higher in all coursework. Eligible students will take their first anaplastology-track course in spring 2026.
Although the BVIS program has covered anaplastology and trained leaders in the field for decades, formalizing this training as a concentration allows the program to better meet the demands of a rapidly changing industry. Lebowicz explained how the new track will build on BVIS’ legacy of excellence.
“The field of anaplastology has changed dramatically with advances in digital modeling, 3D printing, surgical planning and simulation, all of which are areas where BVIS already excels,” Lebowicz said. “By housing anaplastology within the broader biomedical visualization curriculum, students benefit from a strong foundation of courses in anatomy, digital technology, clinical sciences and design that cannot be replicated in a standalone program.”
The concentration teaches hands-on sculpting and prosthetic fabrication alongside updated digital workflows in medical visualization — a blend that is unique among universities worldwide. Students will receive training in visualization techniques, art, anatomy, digital modeling, clinical sciences and patient-centered communication, all while completing specialized anaplastology coursework and practicum experiences.
“There are very few formal anaplastology training programs,” Lebowicz said, “and UIC’s concentration is the only one that is fully embedded within an accredited medical illustration program. The interdisciplinary model is not available anywhere else.”
“As clinical anaplastologists, graduates will be working in clinics, research institutes or university settings for individual patient cases,” said clinical assistant professor Sam Bond ’16 MS BVIS. “This is one of the rare opportunities for people in the visualization field to really serve in the clinician role.”
“The program prepares graduates not only as prosthetic specialists but as innovative problem solvers who can support surgical planning, custom device design, medical education and research,” Lebowicz said.