Donald J. Lucas, Jr., MD, MPH, FACS

Donald J. Lucas, Jr., MD, MPH, is a Clinical Associate Professor of Surgery. Dr. Lucas brings a wealth of experience and a distinguished background in both clinical practice and academic medicine. Dr. Lucas received his Bachelor of Science with Highest Honors in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation from The University of Texas at Austin in 2002. He earned his Doctor of Medicine from Duke University School of Medicine in 2009, where he also pursued a research fellowship in molecular biology at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Dr. Lucas furthered his expertise by completing a Master of Public Health with a concentration in Epidemiology and Biostatistics and a certificate in Finance and Management from Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health in 2013 and later a certificate in strategic studies from the United States Naval War College in 2021. His post-graduate training includes a General Surgery residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center Bethesda, a Pediatric Surgery fellowship at Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, and a fellowship in Pediatric Surgical Oncology at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Dr. Lucas has held various clinical appointments, including positions at Naval Medical Center San Diego, Kaiser Permanente San Diego Medical Center, and UCLA. His extensive military medical experience included a deployment as Ship’s Surgeon on the aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis, several humanitarian assistance deployments on the hospital ships USNS Comfort and Mercy, and as Director of Medical Operations and Planning for Pacific Partnership 2024, an annual multi-national disaster response preparedness operation in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands region. Dr. Lucas continues to serve as a Commander in the Medical Corps, United States Navy Reserve and as Associate Professor of Surgery and Pediatrics at the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences in Bethesda, Maryland. His research interests are in pediatric surgical oncology, pediatric surgical outcomes, quality and safety, and military medicine, with numerous publications and invited lectures to his credit.

Dr. Lucas's commitment to teaching and mentorship is evident through his contributions to the training of medical students, residents, and faculty. He has developed and directed courses on emergency, neonatal, and obstetric care and public health in low-resource environments, reflecting his dedication to global health initiatives. Dr. Lucas's distinguished service has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, and several teaching awards. His leadership and clinical expertise make him a valuable addition to CHLA, where he will continue to advance pediatric surgical care and contribute to the hospital's mission of creating hope and building healthier futures for children.