معرفی
Samuel F. Sears, Jr., PhD is a Professor in the Department of Psychology at East Carolina University (ECU) and Division Chief of Innovation and Research at the ECU Heart Institute. His work focuses on cardiac psychology, particularly the psychosocial impact of implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) and cardiac rehabilitation. Dr. Sears holds a PhD in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Florida (1995), alongside MS (1992) and BS (1990) degrees from the same institution.
His research emphasizes patient experiences with cardiac devices, including shock anxiety, atrial fibrillation management, and quality of life. He has authored over 200 peer-reviewed articles, earning an h-index of 59 and recognition as a top global expert in ICD research. Key achievements include the O. Max Gardner Award (2013), North Carolina’s highest faculty honor, and being named one of the top contributors to ICD research by ScholarGPS (2024).
Dr. Sears practices and teaches health psychology at ECU’s cardiology clinics, integrating behavioral science with clinical care. His lab explores innovations in cardiac device therapy, activity monitoring, and patient education. He currently oversees the Sears Lab and plans to advise doctoral students starting in 2025-26.
