A lot has happened since my last post in May, and I wanted to have everything complete before I wrapped up my biomed blogging days with this final article. Two years have really flown by, and the summer semester which included my internship didn't give me much time to lounge on the beach... okay, maybe I snuck in a little time. The 2014 biomedical sciences graduation ceremony took place on August 1 at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia. The entire event was organized very well, and was a lot of fun for both the graduates and their guests. For this last blog, I'm going to cover what forensic biology concentration students of the biomed program should expect for their final semester... FMED 508: Capstone Integrative Experience.
Internship
Each forensic student is expected to find their own internship location which will allow for 112 hours of experience. The site should allow the student to be able to utilize their forensic knowledge in an active, working environment. I completed my internship at the Philadelphia Medical Examiner's Office (MEO) as a forensic investigation intern. My primary duties within the unit were assisting the investigators during scene investigations and completing case files reports while in the office. When on active scenes I was trained to perform and participate in field photography, next of kin interviews and body bag preparation prior to transport of the decedent. Office hours at the Philadelphia MEO
consisted of paperwork pertaining to identification reports and acquiring health histories [of recently deceased] from health care providers. I was also provided time to shadow the forensic pathologists during their medical examination hours.
My intern experience was just one of many possible to the student. As long as forensic science is utilized at the site of the internship, it's up to the student and their specifics interests in deciding where to complete their 112 hour requirement.
Capstone
In a sense, the "capstone" of the forensic biology concentration is a culmination of everything that you have learned over the past two years. and presented via a portfolio which is handed in at the end of the summer semester. The packet must include a research review article, an evaluation of the site of internship, a detailed journal of the student's intern experience and time sheets signed by the internship site's supervisor. It's smart to manage your time wisely for this process, because it takes some effort to have everything laid out in a professional manner which flows properly.
The research review article topic is chosen by the student and based upon a specific interest which was experienced during the their time interning. It should be forensic in nature, and be a broad enough topic whereby peer-reviewed journal articles are readily available for research and citation.
Parting Words
This is me signing off. It's been great being able to blog for all of your prospective and current PCOM students over the past year and a half. I hope I've been able to provide a substantial amount of information to you that you may not have been able to come across as easily during your "quest for the right school". I wish you all the best of luck in your endeavors and future goals!
Rich
