Assistant Professor
jrcs@hawaii.edu | (808) 956-3142 | Biomed D-104C
Health Policy and Management
Academic Degrees
- Graduate Certificate (Digital Storytelling), Harvard University
- DrPH (Leadership and Management, Minor: Health Policy), Claremont Graduate University
- MPH (Health Promotion, Education, and Evaluation), Claremont Graduate University
- BA (International Studies, emphasis on International Development and Global Health), Seattle University
Courses Taught
Research Interests
Dr. Sumibcay’s research is driven by a commitment to advancing health equity and dismantling health disparities, with a specialized focus on the unique challenges faced by Asian American (AA), Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (NHPI) communities. His work dives deep into the intricate and often overlooked representations of these populations in public health policy, practice, and research. By deconstructing harmful stereotypes and challenging one-size-fits-all narratives, Dr. Sumibcay seeks to elevate the diverse identities and experiences that exist within AA and NHPI subgroups.
Employing an interdisciplinary lens, Dr. Sumibcay integrates mixed methods—both quantitative and qualitative—rooted in a range of theoretical and methodological frameworks. His use of critical race methodologies (CRM) disrupts traditional research paradigms, illuminating the structural and cultural dynamics that sustain inequities. Central to his approach is exploring the determinants of health and how systemic barriers shape health outcomes.
Currently, Dr. Sumibcay’s research is centered on fostering effective health engagement across different populations, addressing critical issues like tobacco/nicotine and cancer prevention, mental health, COVID-19, and aging. A key pillar of his work is the advocacy for data disaggregation to unveil the hidden disparities within and across racial/ethnic subgroups and other social groups. By producing granular and contextually rich data, Dr. Sumibcay aims to inform and shape public health policies that are more inclusive and equitable and finely tuned to the specific needs of diverse communities. His research ultimately strives to catalyze impactful change and improve health outcomes across all populations.
Selected Publications
Sumibcay, J.R.; Kunichoff, D., and Bassett, M.T. (2024). Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities in COVID-19 Mortality. JAMA Network Open. 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.11656
Sumibcay, J.R. (2024). Examining structural racism as the fundamental cause of health inequities among the Indigenous Māori, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Island peoples in the U.S. and Aotearoa New Zealand: Perspectives from key informant community leaders. SSM – Qualitative Research in Health, 5, 100379. 10.1016/j.ssmqr.2023.100379
Do, E., Aarvig, K., Muller-Tabanera, H., Mills, S., Sumibcay, J.R., Koh, H., & Vallone, D. (2023). E-cigarette Use among Asian American Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander Youth in the Contiguous United States: Insights from the Monitoring the Future Study (2018-2019). Preventive Medicine Reports, 35, 102376. 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102376
Lee, M, Sumibcay, JRC, Cory, H, Duarte, C, Planey, AM. Extending critical race, racialization, and racism literatures to the adoption, implementation, and sustainability of data equity policies and data (dis)aggregation practices in health research. Health Serv Res. 2023; 58(Suppl. 2): 262-267. 10.1111/1475-6773.14167
Sabado-Liwag M.D., Zamora M., Esmundo S., Sumibcay J.R., Kwan PP. (2022). Preliminary Observations from The FILLED Project (FILipino Lived Experiences during COVID-19). International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health,19(19):12303. 10.3390/ijerph191912303
Sabado-Liwag, M.; Manalo-Pedro, E.; Taggueg Jr. R.; Bacong, A.M.; Adia, A.; Deminarig, D.; Sumibcay, J.R.; Valdermara-Wallace, C., Oronce, C.I.A.; Bonus, R.; and Ponce, N. (2022). Addressing The Interlocking Impact of Colonialism And Racism on Filipinx/a/o American Health Inequities. Health Affairs, 41(2), 10.1377/hlthaff.2021.01418
Makinde, O., Little, T., Enad, R., Hayes, T., Kercy, M., Sumibcay, J. R., & Desgouttes, M. (2016). The Real World: Six Strangers Connecting AJPH to the Next Generation. American Journal of Public Health, 106(9), 1526-1526. 10.2105/AJPH.2016.303347
