Latasha Adams, MS/Biomed ‘25 has always seen medicine as more than a career. To her, it was a calling, rooted in her own life experiences and her commitment to community.
Growing up in West Philadelphia, Adams saw firsthand the impact healthcare disparities had on her family and neighbors. She recalls a childhood memory of when her mother was hospitalized and how the compassion and patience shown by the physicians who cared for her mother left a profound impression. “It was at that moment I realized I wanted to become a physician,” she shared. “I wanted to be a physician who not only provides medical care but also one who uplifts and advocates for underserved communities. I saw medicine as the most powerful way to give back to my community, just as those physicians gave to my mom.”
When deciding on a career path, Adams chose Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM), located just 15 minutes from her home, for its commitment to whole-person, patient-centered care and its dedication to serving diverse populations. The Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences program was able to challenge her academically, while also providing a supportive environment to grow and reflect.
“PCOM represents a commitment to diversity, support, and culture. Here, I feel truly seen, not just as a student, but as someone with a story,” Adams shared. “Through my interactions with faculty and students, it’s clear that PCOM values each individual’s unique journey. They emphasize that your challenges are not weaknesses, but actually your superpowers and embrace you fully because of them.”
Adams draws inspiration from her mother, whose tenacity as a single parent taught her the power of perseverance. “The resilience I carry, the determination that has helped me overcome every challenge on my path to medicine, comes from her. No matter the obstacle, she taught me not to dwell, but to keep moving forward.”
Outside of academics, Latasha has a creative side, having once pursued photography where she captured everything from prom photos to concerts, including a memorable shoot with Lil Baby in Philadelphia.
Latasha hopes to become a well-rounded physician in the future, dedicated to delivering patient-centered care in underserved communities. Her main goal is to promote access to quality health care for all individuals and to contribute to healthcare equity by serving where the need is greatest.
Her advice to those following in her footsteps is simple yet powerful: “Never let anyone or anything make you doubt what you want for your life. Your path doesn’t have to be perfect, just move with purpose and persistence. Every obstacle you overcome adds depth to your journey. Keep showing up for yourself, trust yourself, and know that in the end, it will all be worth it.”
Latasha Adams’s journey is a testament to the transformative power of resilience, purpose, and community—a future physician determined to give back and inspire others along the way.
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.
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.
Gabrielle DePietro
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Office of Marketing and Communications
Email: gabrielde2@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304
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