A mail survey instrument assessed whether thoracic surgeons prefer schematic, semi-schematic or realistic surgical illustrations for educational purposes in print media. Respondents, active members of the American Association of Thoracic Surgeons (N = 292), ranked preferences for the illustration treatments and supplied demographic information. Data analysis revealed significant differences between preferences for illustration treatments. The schematic treatment was the least preferable treatment. Realistic and semi-schematic illustrations were preferred about equally.