Josh deGuzman
Clemson University Graduate
INTERNSHIP GOALS
These are the goals that my internship preceptor and I created at the beginning of my internship. They include specific objectives set in order to accomplish each goal. Click on the PDF to the right to download a printable version.
Health Assessment Goal
By the end of my fieldwork experience, I will be able to effectively remove a brain from a person’s skull with minimal error.
Objectives: I will accomplish this by:
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Observing the forensic autopsy technician remove a brain.
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Learning the procedure and tips from the forensic pathology assistant.
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Becoming more comfortable using tools such as the scalpel and electric saw.
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Practicing and repeating the process to continually make improvements.
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Gaining more confidence in my abilities with experience.

Health Planning Goal
By the end of my fieldwork experience, I will be able to create a plan for conducting an autopsy efficiently.
Objectives: I will accomplish this by:
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Observing the daily routines of all the staff involved.
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Evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the post mortem examination.
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Discussing the preferences each person has in performing the autopsy.
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Organizing all of the duties and responsibilities of each staff member for the procedure.
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Reviewing the goals and interests of an effective post mortem examination.

Implementation Goal
By the end of my fieldwork experience, I will be able to describe organs of the human body and the diseases associated with them.
Objectives: I will accomplish this by:
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Examining both healthy organs and diseased ones directly from the body and also viewing the histology under the microscope.
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Touching and holding the organs to feel their structure and weight.
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Learning the anatomy and physiology of the organs and how certain diseases affect them from the forensic pathologist.
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Asking the forensic pathologist questions about the organs and diseases relating to the causes of death.
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Researching organs and diseases and creating project presentations about them.

Intervention Evaluation Goal
By the end of my fieldwork experience, I will be able to describe how the medical examiner evaluates each case to determine the cause of death.
Objectives: I will accomplish this by:
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Observing the forensic pathologist’s external examination process.
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Viewing the methods and materials used to collect information.
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Noting how the medical examiner incorporates additional information about the case from the coroner.
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Examining the forensic pathologist make cross sectional dissections of the organs in search of disease.
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Discussing with the medical examiner the thought process involved to come to a conclusive cause of death.

Affective Goal
By the end of my fieldwork experience, I will be able to articulate how I feel about pursing a career or further graduate studies in forensic pathology.
Objectives: I will accomplish this by:
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Interviewing my preceptor and additional staff to discuss their roles and responsibilities.
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Observing the daily operations at the morgue and medical examiner’s/coroner’s office.
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Discussing the pros and cons of the profession with the forensic pathologist and asking why he chose this field.
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Reviewing the qualifications, academic requirements, and training required for this career.
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Reflecting on my own skills, interests, and goals to see how well they complement those of forensic pathology.
