Heart Month Profile: Dr. Jessica Forcillo

Dr. Jessica Forcillo, MD-PhD, MPH, FRCSC 
Cardiac Surgeon, Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CHUM) 
Associated Professor, Université de Montréal 
Director, Quebec Region 

Dr. Jessica Forcillo is a distinguished cardiac surgeon who has been deeply involved with the CCS since the early years of her training. Over the course of her career, she has held significant roles, from chairing the CCS Cardiac Surgery Trainee Review Program to co-chairing the CCS Heart Valve Disease Working Group. Now a proud member of the CCS Board as Director, Quebec region, Dr. Forcillo values the unique opportunity to contribute to the CCS mission and network with colleagues across the country. 

Her passion lies in procedural care and research, particularly in aortic and valvular surgeries and transcatheter valve therapies. Dr. Forcillo also focuses her research on sex-based differences in cardiovascular disease and is a co-founder of a Women’s Cardiovascular Health Center in Montreal, CardioF. 

Dr. Forcillo is motivated by the remarkable evolution of her field and is committed to advancing individualized care. She mentors many trainees and is involved in education at the University. She emphasizes the importance of work-life balance (in the definition she sets for her) and stays active and adopts healthy lifestyle.