Building Connections: Seth Weldon’s Path to Advancing Cancer Care
Seth Weldon’s path to public health was shaped in 2014 by a transformative experience in rural Guatemala, where he spent a summer building wells and teaching English. Witnessing firsthand how access to clean water and education could dramatically improve community health, he became committed to addressing systemic barriers to care. This commitment eventually led him to a career focused on healthcare access and equity. His focus has continued to promote him to make positive impacts in his community through his research.
Today, as Director of Oncology Support Services, Screening, Prevention, and Survivorship at Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center, Seth oversees teams dedicated to supporting cancer patients throughout their treatment and recovery. He says his works “ensure we provide a holistic and integrated approach to patient care”, spanning social work, behavioral health, nutrition, and physical wellness—so that no one has to navigate a cancer diagnosis alone.
His research is driven by the need to improve access to cancer prevention and early detection in low-resource settings. Many communities, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, face significant challenges in accessing critical screening services due to financial constraints, lack of infrastructure, and cultural perceptions. Seth is interested in exploring scalable solutions, including AI diagnostics and mobile health platforms, to bridge these gaps and integrate lifesaving interventions into national healthcare systems.
Through the DrPH program at SDSU, Seth has gained new insights into healthcare challenges from a systems-level perspective. The program has also connected him with professionals across the globe who share his passion for health equity. “Beyond my professional and academic work, I enjoy traveling, baking, gardening, and watching hockey!” he says.
Looking ahead, Seth remains dedicated to breaking down barriers to cancer care, ensuring that more patients receive the support they need, when they need it most.
