Mayuko Ito Fukunaga

Mayuko Ito Fukunaga, MD, FCCP, serves as an Assistant Professor at UMass Chan Medical School within the T.H. Chan School of Medicine, holding dual appointments in the Department of Medicine (Division of Pulmonary Medicine) and the Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences. Her clinical and research work focuses on optimizing respiratory health outcomes through evidence-based interventions and patient-centered care models.

Her educational background includes:

• MD from Keio University, Tokyo, Japan

Dr. Ito Fukunaga's research program centers on lung cancer screening implementation, with particular emphasis on how comorbidities like COPD and asthma affect screening eligibility and outcomes. She investigates shared decision-making frameworks, patient communication strategies, and health disparities—especially in LGBTQ+ cancer care—as demonstrated by her 2024 qualitative analysis of U.S. cancer control plans. Her work bridges clinical pulmonary medicine with population health through health information technology applications.

Analysis of her 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in public health and respiratory medicine, with increasing focus on health equity since 2021. Her research consistently addresses implementation challenges in cancer screening while incorporating patient perspectives through qualitative and mixed-methods approaches. Key trends include leveraging electronic health records for preventive services and adapting interventions for vulnerable populations.

Her professional recognition includes:

• Fellow of the American College of Chest Physicians (FCCP)

While specific grant details aren't provided, her collaborative publications with institutions like the Veterans Affairs Health Services Research and Development Service indicate involvement in federally funded implementation science projects. Her advising activities appear focused on interdisciplinary research teams spanning medicine, public health, and data science, as evidenced by co-authorship patterns with biostatisticians and health services researchers.

She contributes to academic medicine through the Division of Pulmonary Medicine and Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, where she applies quantitative methods to improve cancer screening uptake and respiratory disease management. Her current work shows growing emphasis on digital health solutions for health equity challenges.