Med Student Co-Curates Exhibit at the African American Museum | PCOM
Skip to main content

PCOM Student Co-Curates Exhibit at the African American Museum in Philadelphia


December 2, 2022

Janita Aidonia Matoke (DO ’26) stands in a white lab coat next to pieces from her museum exhibitReaching beyond the classroom, Janita Aidonia Matoke (DO ’26) recently co-curated “Black Healthcare Students: Black Students Breaking Barriers in Medicine,” at the African American Museum in Philadelphia. The exhibit, which is on display until December 11, 2022, dives deeper into the barriers that Black students face when pursuing a career in health care. In collaboration with artist Doriana Diaz and co-curator Zindzi Harley, Matoke shares her personal experiences as a medical student and her journey to medicine.

“By the grace of God, I was moved to create a concept centered around my experience as a black woman in higher academia, the lack of representation in medicine, the adversities faced, as well as the hope, joy, and light embodied and graced in being in this ‘afro-medical’ culture,” shared Matoke. “I begin to dig into the importance an exhibit like this could have for black pre-medical students, medical students and physicians, as well as artists. Through this exhibit I could discuss disparities and research the history of the medical field while providing an opportunity for an artist to highlight and share their gifts, uplifting a myriad of backgrounds,” continued Matoke.

The exhibit was inspired by Matoke’s personal decorative style. Artist Doriana Diaz used mixed media and collaged compositions to give life to the piece. As described by the African American Museum in Philadelphia, “Diaz’s artistry and Matoke’s scholarship converge for an interdisciplinary analysis of systemic racism faced by Black healthcare students and the unique culture and tools through which they transcend these hardships.”

In reflecting on the success of the exhibit and the journey to its unveiling, Matoke said, “It is imperative to have faith, to dream beyond your current situation, to know that your goodness is always your goodness, and your light is always your light. To rest in the understanding that no circumstance or adversity takes away from who you are or all you have been called to be.”

Matoke is originally from Colorado Springs, Colorado. She received her Master of Public Health degree from Thomas Jefferson University.

You May Also Like:

About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

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.

Contact Us

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.

Connect with PCOM

X