This week, the Medical Illustration & Animation Sourcebook highlights recent work from Olga Kurkina.
Medical illustrator Olga Kurkina brings clarity to the evolving landscape of minimally invasive obesity treatments through a highly detailed and informative illustration created for Daniel B. Maselli, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic.
The piece visualizes three advanced endoscopic procedures—Endoscopic Sleeve Gastroplasty (ESG), gastric fundal mucosal ablation, and duodenal re-cellularization—each designed to support weight management through different physiological mechanisms. By carefully depicting anatomical changes within the gastrointestinal tract, Kurkina translates complex medical concepts into an accessible visual narrative.
Through precise composition and thoughtful use of color and structure, the illustration highlights how these treatments alter stomach volume, affect metabolic signaling, and contribute to long-term therapeutic outcomes. The result is a compelling educational tool that supports both clinical communication and patient understanding.
Kurkina’s work exemplifies the power of medical illustration to bridge the gap between cutting-edge medical innovation and visual comprehension—making intricate procedures not only understandable, but engaging.
Olga Kurkina is a professional medical illustrator and storyboard artist from Wroclaw, Poland, who is passionate about translating complex medical and scientific concepts into engaging, hand-drawn visuals. As a professional member of the Association of Medical Illustrators, she specializes in creating precise and visually appealing illustrations for editorial, publishing, advertising, and medical educational purposes. In addition to static visuals, Olga creates detailed storyboards for scientific and pharmaceutical animations, including MOA (mechanism of action) and MOD (mechanism of disease) videos. Her visual storytelling helps lay the foundation for clear, impactful medical animation. With a keen eye for conceptual storytelling and a strong foundation in anatomy and science, her work bridges the gap between information and visual impact.
