Working across clinical practice and public health, Sunday Adetunji had built extensive experience as a physician and researcher.
With Artificial Intelligence and Data Science playing a growing role in healthcare, he realized that practical, hands-on training could help him expand the impact of his work.
He decided to enroll in the AI and Data Science: Leveraging Responsible AI, Data and Statistics for Practical Impact program by MIT IDSS, formerly known as the Data Science and Machine Learning program, to strengthen his skills in advanced analytics and AI.
MIT IDSS's Data Science and Machine Learning Program
Build real-world data science and ML skills, and earn a prestigious MIT IDSS certificate.
A Career Built on Science, Service, and Systems Thinking
Sunday’s career was already grounded in scientific discipline long before he entered the world of advanced analytics. Trained as a physician in Obstetrics and Gynecology, he also holds a Master of Public Health in Biostatistics and was pursuing a PhD in Epidemiology at Oregon State University at the time of enrolling in the program.
Alongside academic research, he had accumulated extensive independent clinical experience, advanced credentials in medical imaging, and leadership exposure in deploying health informatics solutions.
Yet even with this strong foundation, Sunday recognized a gap. The increasing role of Artificial Intelligence and Data Science across sectors demanded skills that went beyond traditional statistical training.
“I wanted to bridge the gap between my strong domain expertise and the fast-growing world of artificial intelligence and data-driven decision-making,” he explains.
When evaluating upskilling options, Sunday was clear about what he needed. The program had to offer rigor, real-world application, and global credibility.
The AI and Data Science program stood out for its balance of theoretical depth and hands-on learning. “The program offered not just theoretical depth but also practical projects, case studies, and mentorship that aligned perfectly with my career vision,” he says. For Sunday, the decision centered on mastery, credibility, and the ability to drive impact across multiple industries.
From Theory to End-to-End Machine Learning Practice
Discussing how the program helped her build practical proficiency in Data Science, Sunday says, “The program gave me a strong foundation in advanced Data Science and Machine Learning, with hands-on expertise in Python, R, SQL, and essential libraries for analytics. I gained deep knowledge of Supervised and Unsupervised learning, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, and Time Series Forecasting.”
Equally important was the emphasis on application. Through real-world case studies and projects, he learned to design and evaluate end-to-end machine learning pipelines, apply statistical modeling and hypothesis testing for decision-making, and leverage cloud-based platforms for scalable solutions.
The focus on translating complex data into actionable insights strengthened his ability to operate across high-stakes, multidisciplinary environments.
A Demanding Journey Backed by Relentless Support
Balancing doctoral research, professional commitments, and an intensive program was challenging. He attributes his progress to the consistent support available throughout the program.
Sunday describes the role of the Program Manager as instrumental in completing the journey, highlighting the resilience and encouragement that helped him stay on track even when professional commitments became overwhelming.
“Even after I had paid in full, the team never let me drift away. They constantly followed up, motivated me, and made sure I gained the skills the program promised.” The experience reinforced a sense of accountability and follow-through. “Great Learning is more than just a platform. It is a community that refuses to let its learners fail,” Sunday reflects.
Expanding Impact Across Research and Leadership
The impact of the program was immediate. Sunday began applying advanced analytics, Machine Learning, and Artificial Intelligence to strengthen both his research and professional initiatives. “The program has been a game-changer for my career,” he says. “I was able to immediately deploy the new skills to strengthen both my research and professional projects.”
Beyond technical capability, the program contributed to his leadership trajectory. The global credibility of an MIT IDSS-affiliated program strengthened his ability to lead data-driven conversations across healthcare, consulting, and interdisciplinary teams.
For Sunday, the journey went beyond mastering analytics. “This program is more than just coursework. It is a complete journey of skill transformation,” he says. “The content is world-class, the projects are practical, and the mentorship is relentless in ensuring you do not just enroll but actually succeed.”
It is a journey that continues to shape his work, his thinking, and the way he approaches every challenge with purpose and precision.
