Sam Sears, PhD

Professor, East Carolina University Depts. of Psychology and Cardiovascular Sciences


Greenville, North Carolina

Samuel F. Sears, PhD, is a Professor in the Departments of Psychology and Cardiovascular Sciences at East Carolina University. He also serves as the Director of Doctoral Studies in the Department of Psychology. 

Dr. Sears is considered a leading authority on the psychological care and quality of life outcomes of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs). He has published well over 150 articles in the medicine and psychology research literatures and provides lectures all over the world on a regular basis. His presentations have been well-received throughout the USA and internationally.

Dr. Sears was awarded the O. Max Gardner Award in 2013. This annual award is given by the Board of Governors of the University of North Carolina system to the faculty member who “has made the greatest contribution to the welfare of the human race” in the past year. The award is considered the highest honor bestowed to a faculty member in the UNC system. 

Dr. Sears continues to practice and teach health psychology in cardiology clinics at the East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University since 2007. He previously served as an Associate Professor at the University of Florida from 1995-2007. Dr. Sears received his BS, MS, and PhD (1995) in clinical health psychology from the University of Florida.

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