91直播视频COM embraces diversity, equity through artistic expression
As part of its ongoing commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, the 91直播视频 College of Osteopathic Medicine (91直播视频COM) recently hosted a series of events commemorating Black History Month, culminating in a display of art by students, faculty, professional staff, and their families representing 鈥淭he 91直播视频COM we strive to be鈥 at an event known as 鈥淎rtCOM.鈥
Several movie screenings and discussions about race and equity 鈥 including systemic barriers to medical education for Black individuals 鈥 took place throughout February, serving as a reminder of the role the University鈥檚 medical school plays in honoring the experiences of BIPOC communities, both within and external to 91直播视频COM itself.
鈥淏lack History Month is an annual celebration of achievements by African Americans and a time for recognizing their critical role in our history,鈥 commented Vin Buonocore, M.Ed., associate dean of Recruitment, Student, and Alumni Services for 91直播视频COM. 鈥淎s a medical school, we must make an extra effort to better understand the lived experiences of our Black peers, patients, and fellow providers.鈥
ArtCOM, held Friday, March 4, drew nearly 50 91直播视频COM students, faculty, professional staff and their families, who created artistic interpretations of the theme, and served as a transition into celebrating Women鈥檚 History Month, which is recognized in March.
Andrew Hoy (D.O., 鈥24) was inspired by the ocean when he created his piece, 鈥淭raversing the Waves.鈥 A 3-D book in which the ocean serves as the binding and medical supplies compose a boat, the work utilizes everyday materials 鈥 including glue, hand soap, shaving cream, and marshmallow fluff 鈥 to create a visual representation of a student鈥檚 journey through medical school.
鈥淭he journey through 91直播视频is a lot like sailing across an ocean,鈥 Hoy reflected. 鈥淵ou don't know what's on the other side. Sometimes the sea is rough, sometimes the sea is calm. Regardless, if you work with the people around you, you can eventually reach whatever lies on the other side of the ocean.鈥
Shadia Kawkabani (D.O., 鈥24) said the underlying theme of her work is 鈥渢he power of voice.鈥
鈥淲e demonstrate this power when we use our voice to express our emotions and communicate our ideas and thoughts,鈥 Kawkabani remarked. 鈥淲ith language, we have influence upon the world surrounding us. When we use our voice to speak out against injustice, we utilize one of the most powerful skills we have.鈥
Kawkabani used a black, metal jewelry hanger as the basis for her piece, coating it in white polymer clay and alternating baking and sculpting techniques to create a visual interpretation of the anatomical trachea and larynx. She added sculpted flowers to 鈥渆mphasize the beauty of phonation.鈥
The completed piece, she said, serves the dual purposes of visually representing the skeletomuscular basis for speech production and to serve as a jewelry hanger, demonstrating the utility of our voices beyond the beauty of phonation.
Kawkabani said that, to her, the theme 鈥渢he 91直播视频COM we strive to be鈥 means a medical school that is active in seeking justice both socially and physically.
鈥淚 imagine a 91直播视频COM that unequivocally and unapologetically speaks out against injustice, advocates for its students, values the voices and concerns of its entire student population, and, through intentional action, evolves with the world around us in a manner that prioritizes inclusivity, social determinants of health, and well-being for all,鈥 she stated. 鈥淚n striving to serve our patients best, we must uplift the individuals who will be providing care to those patients.鈥
Jane Carreiro, D.O., vice president for Health Affairs and dean of the 91直播视频College of Osteopathic Medicine, lauded the students for their participation in the month鈥檚 events.
鈥淚 am proud of our community for organizing and attending events that promote social justice, racial equity, and gender equality,鈥 Carreiro remarked. 鈥淭hese are some of the more hidden aspects of what it means to be a physician, and it is inspiring to see them being brought to light here at 91直播视频COM.鈥