Jim Lucas selected to lead the Vashisht College of Medicine Department of Humanities in Medicine

Colonel (Ret.) James “Jim” Lucas, MD, FACS, clinical professor and director of the Military Medicine program at the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Medicine, has been named interim head of the college’s Department of Humanities in Medicine, effective Jan. 1, 2026. 

The department, part of the college since its founding in 1977, seeks to instill in students a focus on holistic, patient-centered care rooted in the arts, ethics, leadership and altruism as well as the university’s core values. 

“We are delighted that Dr. Lucas will bring his rich experience and keen insights into this new role,” said Amy Waer, MD, FACS, MPSA ‘23, Jean and Tom McMullin Endowed Dean of the Vashisht College of Medicine. “He is well respected for helping future Aggie doctors learn to adapt, thrive and lead in today’s health care landscape.” 

Lucas specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and complex nasal and facial reconstruction following Mohs surgery for the removal of skin cancers. 

After graduating from Texas A&M with honors for both his bachelor’s and medical degrees, he was commissioned as a captain in the United States Army in 1997. He completed residency training in otolaryngology-head and neck surgery at the San Antonio Uniformed Services Health Education Consortium, scoring in the 99th percentile in the in-service residency exam and serving as chief resident in his final year. 

He spent five years in ENT surgical practice at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Fort Carson, Colorado, and completed fellowship training in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of Illinois Chicago Medical Center in 2010. He then served as chief of otolaryngology and the director of facial plastic surgery at the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center (CRDAMC), Fort Hood, Texas.  

His more than 28 years of service in the United States Army Medical Department culminated in service as a deputy commander and chief medical officer at CRDAMC, playing a key role in establishing the center as a clinical training site for the Vashisht College of Medicine.   

He was named associate site dean in 2017 and served in that role until his Army retirement, then returned to his alma in 2023 to serve in his current role. His significant administrative experience includes serving as vice chair of the college’s admission committee and on the university’s promotion committee and the Texas A&M Health Disaster Day steering committee. 

His exemplary medical, academic and administrative service has been acknowledged with numerous awards and honors, including being named a Fellow of the American Academy of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery and the American College of Surgeons and election to the Order of Military Medical Merit.