We are pleased to acknowledge the exceptional contributions of our summer intern, Yu-Wen Jan, a Master of Science candidate in Biomedical Communications at the University of Toronto. Over the summer, Yu-Wen produced the Three-Part Patient Education Video Series on Liver Resection Surgery, delivering high-quality work under a tight deadline. Her talents have consistently impressed us, particularly her skill in crafting visually compelling graphic narratives and addressing design challenges by incorporating iconic, stylish, and patient-friendly elements. Yu-Wen has also generously shared her insights into the design process and her internship experience at TVASurg, which you can read about below:
This summer, after completing a year of my master’s in biomedical communications, I had the incredible opportunity to intern at TVASurg. It was a fast-paced and exciting experience that gave me the chance to work on real projects, develop new skills, and collaborate with talented professionals.
The project I was assigned focused on creating patient learning videos for liver resection surgery. The goal was to create animations that would help patients understand the procedure, including surrounding anatomy and pathology, assessments, risks and complications, pre-op setup, post-op care, and recovery. This project challenged me to craft a coherent, easily digestible storyline while adhering to accessibility guidelines and incorporating didactic, engaging, and patient-appropriate visuals.
Process work: Initial sketch
Process work: render sketch
Process work: final illustration
Throughout the animation process, I prioritized the patient's perspective. Beyond ensuring the accuracy of the information, I aimed to create visually appealing illustrations and integrate creative transitions to make the videos more engaging. My goal was to help the patients absorb critical information about liver resection in a way that was both clear and accessible, while also reducing their stress and anxiety surrounding the surgery.
The internship at TVASurg provided numerous opportunities for both learning and personal growth. One of the key lessons I learned was the importance of time management. While school allows more flexibility to refine a project, the professional world operates with tight deadlines where timely completion is crucial. This experience taught me that delivering a project that meets the client’s needs is often more valuable than aiming for perfection at the cost of delays.
Selected storyboard images
I also realized the importance of consistency. Since my project involved three videos, maintaining consistent visual treatment across each one was essential to reduce cognitive load for the audience. Additionally, organizing files and naming layers consistently was crucial when working in a team, as it allowed others to easily access and reuse my assets.
Additionally, one major takeaway for me was the value of flexibility. Things didn’t always go according to plan, and decisions could change quickly. Adapting to these changes and efficiently finding alternative solutions was essential. I also learned the importance of asking questions and collaborating with others—bouncing ideas off teammates often led to the best outcomes.
Favorite unused screenshots
Overall, my internship at TVASurg solidified my passion for creating engaging animations in the field of biomedical communications. I am grateful for the support and mentorship I received and excited to apply everything I’ve learned as I continue to build my career.