Boris Nkafu, MLT: A Commitment to Care Through Resilience, Diversity, and Impact
February 24, 2025
For Boris Nkafu, the desire to make a meaningful difference in people's lives led him to healthcare. "Growing up, I always wanted to be in a career where I could have a direct impact on humans," he says. "A career in healthcare gave me the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. Therefore, it was easy for me to come to the conclusion that a career in healthcare will enable me to reach my desire and will also come with job satisfaction."
Boris’ drive to work at Stevenson Memorial Hospital (SMH) was motivated by its strong core values—integrity, compassion, accountability, respect, and excellence (I.C.A.R.E.). These principles aligned with his own, cementing his commitment to both his profession and the institution.
However, the path was not always easy. Upon moving to Canada and entering the healthcare system, Boris faced challenges that tested his resolve. "To me, it has been some kind of a bittersweet experience," he shares. "With my first jobs in healthcare in Canada, I was given the impression that I was not very competent. But me being who I am, I took it as an opportunity to work harder and excel in every aspect of my job." This attitude helped him grow into a more skilled and confident professional, ultimately making him better at what he does.
The most rewarding part of his work, according to Boris, has been the ability to positively impact patients' lives. "Making a difference in people’s lives is what has been most rewarding to me," he says, adding that the support of his colleagues in the lab has been invaluable in his journey.
Boris’ career has not been without its obstacles. As an internationally educated Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT), obtaining his license to work in Canada was a lengthy and sometimes discouraging process. A Medical Laboratory Technologist (MLT) is a healthcare professional who performs essential laboratory tests to help diagnose, treat, and prevent diseases, ensuring accurate and timely patient care. "I had to exercise patience in the process, stay positive and turn the barrier into something positive by using the processing time to prepare for the certification," he reflects. His determination paid off, and his perseverance helped him achieve his professional goals.
His cultural background has also shaped how he approaches patient care. One moment that stands out to Boris occurred during a blood collection procedure. "I had to do blood collection on a patient who had been very disconcerted with others caring for him, but the moment I walked in, he felt calm and as a result, I was able to complete my task with no hesitation," he recalls. "We were not of the same background, but for some reason, he felt comfortable with me taking care of him." This instance demonstrated the profound impact that cultural understanding can have on patient care.
Boris believes that a diverse healthcare workforce has the power to enhance patient experiences. "Having healthcare personnel of different cultures can go a long way to impact patient care," he explains. "A doctor may be able to better understand a patient because of a particular culture they share and hence will provide a more effective and personalized care." Moreover, diversity within healthcare settings fosters greater employee engagement and job satisfaction, creating a more cohesive and motivated team.
Boris’ parents played a key role in his decision to pursue a healthcare career. "My parents were my biggest influence—they helped me pursue a career in healthcare," he shares. "They made me understand the rewards that come with making an impact in people’s lives." Their guidance, combined with his dedication, has driven him to become a respected healthcare professional.
As a Black healthcare professional, Boris acknowledges the unique role he plays in the health system. "We bring in those cultures, values, and initiatives that result in patients and staff feeling respected, empowered, heard, and valued," he says. His contributions not only help to improve patient care but also highlight the importance of diversity in the healthcare sector.
In addition to his professional achievements, Boris understands the importance of self-care. Working in a demanding field like healthcare requires maintaining a balance between work and personal life. "Self-care is very imperative in life. Establishing work and home boundaries, staying mentally and physically active, maintaining social interactions and supportive networks in creative and safe ways helps in my self-care and boosts my resilience as a Black healthcare professional."
Boris’ message to others considering a healthcare career is clear: "Go for it. You will never regret your decision. Working in healthcare, just like any other job, may have its setbacks, but it comes with strong job security, competitive salaries, diverse opportunities, and growth."
His story is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and impact that Black healthcare professionals have on both the lives of patients and the future of the industry.