Seun Fatai Akinfolarin, Class of '25

Strength in Systems: Seun Fatai Akinfolarin’s Research on Tuberculosis Care During a Global Crisis

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted health systems around the world, many essential services were forced to pause or scale back. For Seun Fatai Akinfolarin, a 2025 MSc graduate from the Department of Medicine at the University of Alberta, this moment of global uncertainty became an opportunity to ask an important question: how well can public health systems protect people with tuberculosis (TB) during a crisis?

Originally from Ondo Town in Ondo State, Nigeria, Seun completed his graduate studies under the supervision of Dr. Richard Long and Dr. Angela Lau. His thesis, Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tuberculosis Program Performance in Alberta, Canada: A Population-Based Evaluation, examined how the pandemic affected TB services across Alberta.

Measuring Resilience in Real Time

Seun’s research focused on key components of TB care, including newcomer screening, diagnosis, and patient support throughout treatment. By comparing TB program performance before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, he was able to assess whether disruptions seen globally were mirrored in Alberta.

What he found was striking. Unlike many regions around the world, Alberta’s TB program remained largely resilient. Thanks to a centralized structure and dedicated healthcare professionals, most essential TB services continued without major interruption, ensuring patients received timely diagnosis and care even at the height of pandemic-related disruptions.

Lessons from a Global Crisis

One of the most surprising lessons for Seun was witnessing the strength of a well-designed public health system under pressure. The experience reinforced the importance of coordination, teamwork, and thoughtful system design in safeguarding vulnerable populations during emergencies.

At the same time, the research journey was deeply personal. Conducting a major research project during a global pandemic, while navigating new parenthood, taught Seun the value of patience, adaptability, and collaboration. “Meaningful research doesn’t happen in perfect conditions,” he reflects. “It happens when you keep going, even when things are difficult.”

Sharing Findings and Shaping Practice

Seun presented his research at the International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease Conference, a leading global forum on TB and lung health, as well as at the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Medicine & Dentistry (FoMD) Research Day. His work earned a monetary award in the Residency Research Category at the FoMD research day, recognizing its relevance and impact.

The study was also published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ), extending its reach to clinicians, policymakers, and researchers across Canada and beyond.

A Personal Spark for Public Health Research

Seun’s commitment to tuberculosis research is rooted in lived experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, a close friend was diagnosed with TB. Witnessing her journey, and the role a strong public health system played in her care, sparked his determination to better understand TB and contribute to improving services for others.

That experience, combined with his passion for public health, shaped his graduate work and reinforced his belief in research as a tool for advocacy and system improvement.

Advice, Perspective, and What Comes Next

For students entering graduate school, Seun emphasizes patience and self-compassion. “Graduate school is a marathon, not a sprint,” he says. Progress matters more than perfection, and seeking support from mentors and peers is a strength, not a weakness.

Now, as he looks ahead, Seun plans to return to clinical medicine, bringing with him the insights gained through public health and TB research. His goal is to integrate research, clinical care, and advocacy to better serve patients, especially those most vulnerable during times of crisis. As part of this commitment, he founded TB Action and Support Foundation, a charitable organization dedicated to increasing tuberculosis awareness and providing support to individuals affected by TB.

Guided by determination and inspired by his friend's strength, Seun’s journey reflects the power of resilient systems, committed people, and research grounded in real lives.