Dr. Bobby Lucia has a deep commitment to making tangible differences in the lives of his patients through patient-centered care and education. Dr. Lucia joined Heartland Health Services to align himself with an organization that shares his dedication to compassionate care and a commitment to helping underserved populations.

Dr. Lucia has a wife, a son, and three dogs (hoping for a fourth). He enjoys hiking, travelling, and rebuilding old computers. 

"I hope that my work reflects a vision of making healthcare not just a service but a partnership that builds stronger, healthier individuals and communities."

Medical School

Bradley University

Credentials

DNP, APRN-FPA, FNP-BC, LCPC, FCCP

Certificates

Inclusive and Ethical Leadership, University of South Florida

Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles, Harvard University

Leadership in a remote environment, Harvard University

Science Intensive: Pathophysiology, Immunology, Biochemistry, and Genetics, Harvard University

Learning and Leadership Training Program, Dartmouth University

Fellowship

American College of Chest Physicians

Awards, Recognitions, and Professional Memberships

• Star of the Month- National Association of Family Nurse Practitioners, 2024
• Research Excellence Award, Center for Collaborative Brain Research, 2023
• Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Hero of Hope Award, 2018
• Outstanding Clinical Practice Award, Unity Point Health, 2017
• Outstanding Clinical Practice Award, Unity Point Health, 2013

Publications

Pierce, R., Flinn, L., Hermann, M., & Lucia, R. (2024). Compassion fatigue in nurse educators: Understanding and addressing emotional burnout and healthcare teaching. Faculty Focus.

Lucia, R. (2023). Creating an interdisciplinary learning and networking opportunity for school nurses- A quality improvement project. Acta Scientific Paediatrics, 4(10). Impact factor: 1.197

Lucia, R. (2023). Developing pediatric pulmonology infection control guidelines: A quality improvement project. Acta Scientific Paediatrics, 6(5).  Impact factor: 1.197

Lucia, R. (2022). Back to school thoughts. Acta Scientific Paediatrics, 5(11), https://doi.org/10.31080/aspe.2022.05.0562 Impact factor: 1.197

Lucia, R. (2020). Where we are today and where we might go. Acta Scientific Paediatrics, 3(3), ISSN: 2581-883X.  Impact factor: 1.197

         Lucia, R. (2019) Teach don’t preach. Acta Scientific Paediatrics,2(1). Impact factor: 1.197

Simmons, D. D., Lucia, R., Saving, K. L., & Alwan, N. (2018). Sickle cell education for medical professionals: A pre and post test analysis. Blood, 132(Supplement 1), 5812–5812. https://doi.org/10.1182/blood-2018-99-111371 

Lucia, R., Nelson, S., Green, M., Zuercher, T., Stewart, J., Lapke, J., McLauchlin, H. (2018). Incorporating a culture of research into a cystic fibrosis clinic. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, (Supplement 48).

Lucia, R., Nelson, S., Green, M., Zuercher, T., Stewart, J., Lapke, J., McLauchlin, H. (2016). Use of RN clinical coordinator to reduce 30-day readmission rate and cost. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, (Supplement 45).

Lucia, R. (2016). Thoracic-region pain upon initiation and withdrawal of lumacaftor-ivacaftor: A report of 3 patient cases. Journal of Pediatrics & Neonatal Care, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.15406/jpnc.2016.05.00173 

Fernandez, K. S., Lucia, R. J., Holman, M. J., & Buchheit, R. (2015). Benefits of early integration of palliative care across the Continuum in the care of children with solid tumors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 33(15_suppl). https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2015.33.15_suppl.e20552 

Lucia, R., Nelson, S., Green, M., Zuercher, T., Stewart, J., Lapke, J., McLauchlin, H. (2016). Journey to independence: A qualitative needs assessment for transition in cystic fibrosis. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, (Supplement 41).

Fernandez, K. S., Lucia, R. J., Buchheit, R., Holman, M. J., Sandiford, P., & Sollenberger, L. M. (2014). Early introduction of palliative care for children with solid tumors. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 32(31_suppl), 23–23. https://doi.org/10.1200/jco.2014.32.31_suppl.23 

Fernandez, K. S., Lucia, R. J., Buchheit, R., Holman, M. J., Sandiford, P., & Sollenberger, L. M. (2013). Intraperitoneal bleomycin to relieve distressing symptoms in sacromatosis-related malignant ascites in a child. 2013. International Palliative Care Network.

Lucia, R., Nelson, S., Green, M., Zuercher, T., Stewart, J., Lapke, J., McLauchlin, H. (2012). Superhero or villain: Changing perceptions about gastrostomy tubes in patients with cystic fibrosis. Journal of Pediatric Pulmonology, (Supplement 35).