Richard Suminski

Richard Suminski is a Professor at Kansas City University's College of Osteopathic Medicine, where he has established himself as a prominent researcher in physical activity, public health, and environmental influences on health behaviors. His work spans multiple disciplines with a particular focus on youth physical activity, neighborhood environments, and health disparities.

Dr. Suminski's research interests include:

• Physical activity assessment and promotion across diverse populations
• Environmental and social determinants of health behaviors
• Youth physical activity opportunities in varying socioeconomic contexts
• Maternal and fetal health outcomes related to physical activity
• Obesity prevention strategies in clinical and community settings

His publication record demonstrates a strong focus on how neighborhood characteristics influence physical activity patterns, with particular attention to socioeconomic disparities in access to physical activity resources. Dr. Suminski has investigated everything from park quality in minority neighborhoods to meteorological effects on outdoor activity, revealing critical insights about environmental correlates of physical activity.

Dr. Suminski has received research funding for studies examining physical activity environments and has contributed significantly to understanding research funding patterns at Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine in the United States, documenting substantial growth in research activity from 2004 to 2009.

His collaborative work spans multiple institutions and has been published in high-impact journals including the Journal of Urban Health and the Journal of the American Osteopathic Association, establishing him as a respected contributor to public health research.