Joining a group of peers tasked with providing guidance and consultation to prosecutors,
investigators and social service agencies, Gregory McDonald, DO ‘89, dean of School of Health Sciences, was recently named to Pennsylvania Attorney General
Michelle A. Henry’s Medical and Legal Advisory Board on Child Abuse, Child Homicide,
and Child Neglect.
“I'm excited. I really am,” said McDonald. “It’s an honor to be able to do this, and it's certainly a timely subject as many child abuse cases are starting to get notoriety throughout the country.”
Formed in 1988, the group of about 50 medical and legal experts shares expertise and provides consultation to state and local prosecutors charging cases of child abuse, neglect or death, and assists investigators and social service personnel to determine if child abuse has occurred. The board can also help inform charging decisions when a case is unclear.
“I think it’s a really good concept, especially in some complicated cases that may need input from a variety of different specialties and subspecialties,” said McDonald.
Board members include medical experts specializing in forensic pathology, pediatric medicine, pediatric neuroradiology, neuropathology and pediatric psychiatry. In addition to medical experts, the Attorney General selects district attorneys, investigators, personnel from state and local child service agencies and experts from other related specialties to form a broad coalition of advisors.
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.
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