Dr. Caiwei (Alison) Zheng MD, MPH is a medical illustrator and mixed media artist currently based in Chicago, IL.

With a background in medicine and art, Alison believes that medical illustrations with soft colors and a clean aesthetic can be a profound avenue to enhance the accessibility of complex medical concepts to the layperson and professionals alike. By employing gentle hues and minimalist design, intricate anatomical structures and physiological processes can be rendered in a visually pleasing and easily understandable manner. This approach not only aids in demystifying daunting medical terminology but also fosters a welcoming environment for individuals who may feel intimidated by traditional medical diagrams. Through the harmonious blend of simplicity and accuracy, such illustrations provide a bridge between technical jargon and everyday comprehension, empowering individuals to grasp fundamental health information with clarity and confidence. Her work has been published in medical textbooks, academic journals, and has been utilized in research and patient care.

Personal background:

Alison (1992) was born in Northeastern China and raised in a variety of cities across the world including Shenyang (China), Stockholm (Sweden), Louisville (US) and Los Angeles (US). She graduated from Brandeis University with a B.A. in Biology and a minor in fine arts (sculpture track) and was the recipient of the Louis P. Rabinovitz Art Award upon graduation for Exceptional Achievement in the Creative Arts. She then completed the MD, MPH dual degree program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and is now a surgeon in training at the University of Chicago Medical Center. She lives with her husband Max and her cat Cleo.

Artist Bio