JABSOM, UH Cancer Center launch coordination effort

The University of Hawaiʻi is launching an exploratory effort to strengthen coordination between the UH Mānoa John A. Burns School of Medicine (JABSOM) and the UH Cancer Center, which are located next to each other on the same property in Kakaʻako. The initiative aims to enhance collaboration in health sciences research, education and community service, and support Hawaiʻi’s growing health workforce needs.

Over the past decade, the UH units emerged as a major hub for health sciences innovation and partnership, bringing together faculty, researchers, students, clinicians and community organizations. UH leaders say that greater alignment across the two academic and research units could build on that momentum and help expand access to care across the islands.

Exploration, collaboration

In a January 14 message sent to the JABSOM and UH Cancer Center employees, UH President Wendy Hensel, UH Mānoa Interim Provost Vassilis Syrmos, UH Cancer Center Director Naoto T. Ueno and JABSOM Dean Samuel Shomaker emphasized that the initial phase will be exploratory and collaborative.

“As we look ahead, we have a shared opportunity to build on this foundation so that our work is even more impactful for the people of Hawaiʻi,” the message noted. “This initial phase will focus on identifying areas where shared administrative services, joint planning and enhanced communication can support our collective mission.”

The effort will examine opportunities related to facilities and campus operations, fiscal and grants administration, clinical research support and other core functions essential to academic and research excellence. UH leaders stressed that there are no plans to eliminate positions as part of the exploration.

“This exploratory work will preserve and strengthen the distinct missions of both institutions, JABSOM’s medical education and academic autonomy, and the UH Cancer Center’s National Cancer Institute designation and programmatic leadership, while seeking efficiencies and synergies that support both,” stated the university leaders in the message.

A working group representing both units will convene in early 2026 to help inform next steps. The coordination effort will be conducted in an open, consultative and transparent manner with continued engagement of faculty, staff, students and partners.