We are delighted to introduce touchCARDIO Future Leader 2025, Dr Jenna Spears, currently in her final year of electrophysiology fellowship training at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA. Originally from Oakville, Ontario, Dr Spears completed her medical degree at University College Dublin before relocating to Philadelphia for her internal medicine residency and cardiology fellowship. An active leader in the field, she has contributed to research and championed Women in Cardiology initiatives through the American College of Cardiology.
Dr Spears was first inspired by electrophysiology through early mentorship, and has since developed a deep passion for its intellectually rigorous and life-changing interventions. She is particularly fulfilled by the impact her work has on patients’ daily lives, and remains committed to mentorship, clinical excellence and advancing equity in cardiology.
In this Q&A, Dr Spears shares how mentorship shaped her career path, what excites her most about innovations like pulsed field ablation, and the legacy she hopes to build – one rooted in service, humility and empowering the next generation of physicians.
Q. Can you tell us about a mentor who has had a significant impact on your career, and the most valuable lesson they have shared with you?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been guided by exceptional mentors who have shaped my journey at every stage. As a medical student, I worked as a research assistant with Dr Jeff Healey, marking my first exposure to electrophysiology. At the time, I didn’t fully grasp what the specialty entailed, but I was captivated. I watched with admiration as Dr Healey seamlessly shifted between roles as a clinician, researcher and proceduralist. That early experience planted the seed for what would become a deep and enduring passion for electrophysiology. Later, during my internal medicine residency, I gravitated toward cardiology largely due to the influence of Dr Sheldon Goldberg. His commitment to education and evidence-based medicine, and his remarkable patience left a lasting impression on me. Both mentors shared a set of values that I now strive to emulate: clinical excellence, professionalism and an unwavering dedication to patient care. These foundational principles continue to guide me as I move toward independent practice.
Q. What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey so far?
One of the most rewarding aspects of electrophysiology is the tangible impact we can have on patients’ lives. Our interventions can be life-saving, restore cardiac function and dramatically improve quality of life. What stays with me the most, however, are the moments after the procedures, sitting with patients in clinic, hearing them say they’re able to walk their dog again, travel, or play with their grandchildren. Those stories remind me why this work matters.
Q. What advice would you offer to those just beginning their journey in your specialty?
A career in electrophysiology requires stamina, patience and a deep well of curiosity. The path spans over eight years of rigorous training, but for those drawn to intellectually and technically demanding work, there is no field more fulfilling. There will be highs and lows, moments of triumph and doubt. My advice: lean on your mentors, support your peers and never lose sight of the remarkable career you are building. Every challenge is part of the process and every step brings you closer to becoming the kind of physician you aspire to be.
 Q. What are you most excited to see develop further over the next few years?
These are exciting times in electrophysiology. Since the beginning of my fellowship, the field has rapidly evolved, particularly with the introduction of pulsed field ablation (PFA). The pace of innovation is energizing, and I’m eager to see how new tools and technologies will further enhance patient care, expand treatment options and meet currently unmet clinical needs.
Q. What legacy do you hope to leave in the field of cardiology?
When asked what kind of legacy I hope to leave behind, the answer is simple: I want to be remembered as a clinician with an unwavering commitment to patient care. I also hope to inspire and mentor the next generation, especially women pursuing cardiology and electrophysiology, where representation remains limited. The values my mentors instilled in me – excellence, humility and service – are ones I hope to carry forward and pass along.
Citation: Jenna Spears. Q&A with Dr Jenna Spears: touchCARDIO Future Leader 2025. touchCARDIO. 4 August 2025.
Disclosures: This short article was prepared by touchCARDIO in collaboration with Dr Jenna Spears. No fees or funding were associated with its publication.
touchCARDIO is celebrating the brightest rising stars in the cardiology community, who are set to shape the future of the field.
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