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Samuel F. Sears, PhD

Professor and Psychologist
East Carolina University

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 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 is considered the world authority on the psychological care and quality of life outcomes of patients with implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients.  He has published well over 100 articles in the medicine and psychology research literatures and provides lectures all over the world on a regular basis.   Recently, Dr. Sears created a smart phone app, called “ICD Coach” that is the first ever app for cardiac patients focused on successful coping. Dr. Sears continues to practice and teach health psychology in cardiology clinics at the East Carolina Heart Institute at East Carolina University.   He received his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in clinical health psychology from the University of Florida.

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