A year ago, Janita Matoke (DO ’26) visited a Barnes and Noble bookstore in New York
to hear an author speak about a recently published book. The book was featured in
a special area of the store that’s considered an honor for most authors. Today, Matoke’s
poetry is featured in the same section here in Philadelphia.
“One of my friends told me she went to purchase my book but couldn't find it in the local author section,” Matoke said. “She found it in the Bookseller Favorites section, and I was almost in tears.”
Matoke’s love for writing has always been integral to her life. She remembers being a kid in front of old computers, trying to type out novels. For as long as she can remember, it’s been her best way to articulate herself and honor her feelings.
“I'm a firm believer that God doesn't give us ideas just to give us ideas,” she said. “I think that ideas are really special and powerful. If you think about something, dream about doing something, or if you're inspired by something, you should do it.”
When thinking about how she’s been able to balance medical school with her passion for poetry, Matoke’s focus is on honoring the spaces she’s been given.
“I feel like I've been given a space in medicine, but also in writing, and they’re equally important,” she shared. “Sometimes it’s a bit chaotic; I'll be watching a lecture and then think of something, but I have this process where if I have an idea, I write it down.”
All of her written ideas are now compiled in a book, titled Poetry: Janita Aidonia Collection, that is on shelves at the Barnes and Noble on Chestnut Street and will also be featured at the store’s monthly Saturday Spotlight on February 17.
“It’s from 1-3 p.m., and I’ll be doing book signings,” she said. “It’s a moment where customers can interact with me and talk more about the book!”
Her future plans in medicine include becoming an OBGYN. Her future plans in writing include never setting limits on the stories she can tell.
“This book is basically a story of where I am in this season of my life. It's really a story of love, light, and God's goodness in my life,” she said. “I want to follow more stories throughout my life, whatever season I’m in. It's totally possible, I’m capable, and there's no rush in doing it.”
For the past 125 years, 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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