Each spring students in the Master of Science (MS) in Forensic Medicine program at 色中色 (PCOM) step out of their lecture halls and into the field, putting their classroom knowledge to the test through two signature experiential events: Dig Day and Crime Scene Day. These immersive experiences are designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice, giving students a taste of the real-world challenges they鈥檒l face in their future careers.
On a warm Saturday in April, over 20 forensic medicine students joined together on the Philadelphia campus for their hands-on event, titled 鈥淭he Dig,鈥� where they unearthed mock graves in an effort to simulate properly securing clandestine burial sites. The students spent two hours excavating different bones and skull fragments to determine potential causes of death and present those findings to the larger group.
鈥淭he Dig was extremely realistic," said PCOM student Joseph Vizzarri (MS '26). 鈥淗aving participated in a clandestine grave recovery before, my expectations were high. From discussing means of identifying the grave site to the actual recovery, the methods mirrored what you do in a real world scenario.鈥�
A month after the Dig was Crime Scene Day, where students were presented with mock crime scenes throughout the campus to practice the full spectrum of forensic tasks, including collecting and processing evidence and analyzing their findings.
鈥淓veryone was able to use the skills they鈥檝e learned throughout the program and be able to piece together the facts and circumstances around each individual scenario,鈥� Vizzarri shared. 鈥淭he scenarios recreated what's done in a real world investigation and covered a wide range of circumstances. Having to use critical thinking for each scenario encouraged collaboration amongst peers and mirrored the steps taken at a real crime scene.鈥�
By working alongside faculty like Gregory McDonald, DO, chair of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Pathology during these milestone events, students are able to gain the confidence and skills necessary for successful careers in pathology, forensics, or law enforcement in real-life environments designed to be both challenging and supportive.
鈥淓vents like Dig Day and Crime Scene Day exemplify the program鈥檚 dedication to preparing students for the complexities of forensic medicine,鈥� said McDonald. 鈥淏y taking learning outside the classroom and being put into real-world scenarios, we鈥檙e able to ensure our students are not only knowledgeable in the field, but also ready to make a meaningful impact in their outside lives.鈥�
Established in 1899, 色中色 (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a 鈥渨hole person鈥� approach to care鈥攖reating people, not just symptoms. PCOM, a private, not-for-profit accredited institution of higher education, operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy, and school psychology. The college also offers graduate degrees in applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, physician assistant studies, and school psychology. PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For general media inquiries, please contact the Office of Marketing and Communications at 215-871-6300 or communications@pcom.edu. Visit our media relations page to view contact information for public relations personnel.
Gabrielle DePietro
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: gabrielde2@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304
© 2025 色中色
