Dino Pulerà

I didn't always want to become a medical illustrator. I had planned to be a medical doctor. After my first two years of university I realized that I just didn't have the grades to make it to medical school. I completed my degree but I still had no idea of what to do with my life. During my undergrad, I learned about the Biomedical Communications program at the University of Toronto. I didn’t apply because I didn’t have any formal art training and didn’t think I had a chance to get into the program.

I spent the next two years taking courses that I always wanted to take but never had time to take in order to raise my GPA. I volunteered at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in the vertebrate paleontology department. I also did some volunteering teaching at some local elementary schools in preparation for applying to teacher’s college.

I enrolled in three non-credit scientific illustration courses offered through the School of Continuing Studies at the University of Toronto. I took these courses purely for fun and personal interest. I absolutely loved those courses! The instructor thought my work was good enough to apply to the Biomedical Communications program where she was an instructor. I couldn't believe my ears! I was beside myself with excitement and disbelief. I quickly put together a portfolio and submitted my application. At the same time I had also applied to teachers college. To my astonishment and elation, I was accepted into the Biomedical Communications program. That same week, I was also accepted into teacher's college. I was able to defer my acceptance to the faculty of education for one year to see if I truly was cut out to be a medical illustrator. I was and I haven't looked back since!