With a background in emergency services, Joseph Vizzarri, MS/FM ’26, has seen firsthand how split-second decisions can alter lives while working with a 911 response team. It was in this role that he first became interested in health care, but it was forensic medicine that ultimately resonated with his sense of purpose.
“Forensic medicine blends my interests in service, public health, criminal justice, and medicine,” he said. “It has allowed me to continue serving the community in a meaningful way while applying medicine beyond the bedside during a time when people need answers most.”
When searching for programs that aligned with his educational and professional goals, Vizzarri said he wanted to find something that was both clinically and technically robust, while still offering him flexibility to continue working outside of school.
“PCOM's Forensic Medicine program stood out to me by offering a well-rounded curriculum, taught by experts in their respective disciplines, while still allowing me to continue advancing my own career.”
As Vizzarri prepares to graduate with a master's degree in Forensic Medicine, he shared how the program helped him build on his real-world experiences, while gaining a deeper appreciation for the medical and scientific principles behind it.
“PCOM helped prepare me as a learner by not only expanding my knowledge, but by shaping the way I think, analyze, and approach the complexities of forensic medicine. Through its faculty and curriculum, I gained practical knowledge that directly translates to death investigations, while reinforcing the importance of collaboration across public service systems.”
Throughout his time at PCOM, Vizzarri enjoyed participating in opportunities that represented forensic medicine in real ways, including campus events such as "The Dig" and Crime Scene Day. These experiences allowed him to observe how official investigations are conducted in the field across a wide range of real-world scenarios.
Looking ahead, Vizzarri has a clear goal: to become a forensic pathologist. He is motivated not only by the science, but by the impact the work has on families and the justice system.
“There’s a real need in this field,” he said. “I have a deep appreciation for the essential work forensic pathologists do and how the critical shortages in the field can strain systems that provide answers for families and support justice.”
He draws inspiration from those who serve on the front lines—firefighters, law enforcement officers, healthcare providers, and medicolegal professionals—many of whom work behind the scenes without recognition. As a firefighter himself, Vizzarri has climbed a New York City skyscraper and has sought out other adrenaline-driven experiences, including skydiving, helicopter flying, and tornado chasing.
Together, these pursuits reflect both a deep curiosity and a willingness to push boundaries, two qualities he encourages future students to carry forward: “You’ll never know unless you try. Step outside your comfort zone, take initiative, and learn from the people around you. These experiences will help you build knowledge and judgment over time.”
Established in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating 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
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