EDI Spotlight Series: Abimbola Saka on her health equity and health services research
In our EDI Spotlight Series we feature different lived experiences and perspectives on equity, diversity and inclusion from members of our IMS community.
Abimbola Saka, MD, MBA, MHSc
She/Her
In this spotlight we hear from Abimbola, an alumna of the Master's in Health Sciences in Translational Research Program (formerly housed under IMS). She is a post doctoral fellow at CAMH and Lead Consultant in Health Services Design at the D.A.S. Innovative Hub — a Black-owned, women-led consulting firm that helps improve healthcare systems.
Abimbola's research focuses on addressing barriers to accessing care, the social determinants of health, health services and implementation science.
Why is your research important?
My research is important because it helps to address gaps in healthcare in a way that allows people to take ownership of how they access, navigate and receive care. By working directly with patients, families, and community members, I support the co-design of pathways, programs, and services that truly address unmet needs and improve outcomes and access to care for everyone.
Which EDI principles are relevant to your research?
Equity, diversity, and inclusion are built into my research through participatory co-design. This means patients and community members are not just participants, but partners in shaping the research. By embedding inclusive engagement and EDI principles, we ensure that the solutions co-designed reflect people’s lived experiences, address inequities, and create care systems that work better for everyone.
How did you become interested in health equity and health services research?
As a medical student in clerkships and a postgraduate trainee, I observed how social and systemic factors, such as income, race, and neighbourhood characteristics, influenced people's access to and navigation of healthcare, as well as their impact on health outcomes. That experience motivated me to learn more about health systems and how to address the barriers in a way that reflects patients' needs. This has led me into health services research and health system co-design, where I collaborate with relevant interest-holders to design and evaluate systems that are more equitable and inclusive.
