For John Lucas, DO, founding dean and chief academic officer of the proposed Illinois College of Osteopathic Medicine (IllinoisCOM) at The Chicago School, launching a medical school is a natural extension of his career trajectory. “When I reflect on how I got to where I am today, I always thrived when I got to build something new,” Dr. Lucas says.
“As a student, I was one of the first graduating classes at my medical school,” Dr. Lucas continues. “I was one of the first groups to progress through my residency program, and then as a medical school administrator, I supported launching new campuses for our faculty, staff, and students. I’m excited to bring this history of innovation to what we’re building here at The Chicago School.”
Says The Chicago School’s President Michele Nealon, Psy.D., “Dr. Lucas joins The Chicago School with the leadership experience we know will fuel the success of our newest college.” In his immediate past role, Dr. Lucas served as senior vice president for institutional advancement and administration at the Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine (VCOM). Dr. Lucas also served as interim campus dean at VCOM-Auburn campus.
Dr. Lucas is also a board-certified emergency medicine physician with extensive clinical and administrative experience. He served as an attending emergency medicine physician at the Carilion Clinic in Roanoke, Virginia. He was also medical director and chief in the emergency department and medical director in hospitalist medicine at Carilion New River Valley Medical Center in Christiansburg, Virginia.
“Throughout my medical career, I’ve learned that psychology is what makes people unique. Every patient interaction I’ve had has involved psychology in some way or another,” Dr. Lucas says. “That’s why this opportunity with IllinoisCOM is so uniquely valuable. Osteopathic medicine reflects the best of The Chicago School’s long-standing commitment to integrated mental and physical health.”
As IllinoisCOM progresses toward welcoming its first students in 2026, Dr. Lucas is leading the charge in building a united team of faculty and staff leaders. “As a former football player, I know how important it is to rally around a common vision,” he says. “I’m excited to welcome other leaders to the IllinoisCOM team who are as committed as I am to building an innovative medical school that’s ready for the community health challenges of tomorrow.”