Dr. Jessica Forcillo is a force to be reckoned with in the world of cardiac surgery. A native of Montreal, she knew from the young age of 12 that she was destined to become a heart surgeon. Her unwavering dedication led her through years of rigorous training, from completing a degree in physical therapy at McGill after initially not being accepted into medical school, to later earning her MD, MPH, PhD, and FRCSC. Today, she stands as a leading figure in cardiac surgery, breaking barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field while pioneering research in women’s cardiovascular health.
Beyond her work in the operating room, Dr. Forcillo is a passionate researcher and advocate for precision medicine, co-founding the Women’s Cardiovascular Center in Montreal. She has dedicated her career to uncovering the unique risk factors affecting women’s heart health, challenging outdated medical standards, and pushing for more inclusive research. Her studies highlight the stark reality that women continue to have higher mortality rates than men after cardiac events, reinforcing the need for gender-specific approaches in cardiovascular care.
In addition to her medical and research career, Dr. Forcillo is an entrepreneur. She founded MD Esthétique, a medical aesthetics clinic focused on natural enhancements and self-care. A firm believer in balance, she seamlessly integrates her work, family life, and personal well-being, proving that excellence in multiple fields is not only possible but essential. In this interview, Dr. Forcillo shares her inspiring journey, the challenges of her field, and the future of women’s health in cardiovascular medicine.
At 14, she had the rare opportunity to observe a cardiac surgeon in action—a moment that solidified her calling. As a child, she was already training like a professional, competing in synchronized swimming at a national level and playing tennis. These experiences taught her the discipline, balance, and stamina she would later apply in medicine.
When she wasn’t accepted into medical school straight out of CEGEP, Jessica didn’t give up. Instead, she pivoted into physical therapy at McGill University. That detour proved to be a gift—it deepened her understanding of the body and the patient journey. She calls it an investment, not a setback, and it shaped the resilient, empathetic leader she is today.
In the operating room, Dr. Forcillo describes cardiac surgery as an extreme sport—technically demanding, high-stakes, and mentally intense. Every case is unique. Every heartbeat she restores is a testament to her grit and grace. In a field where only 13% of surgeons in Canada—and 7% in the U.S.—are women, she’s unapologetically carving space for the next generation.
Though she lacked female mentors, she refused to conform to outdated stereotypes. “I stay true to myself,” she says. “You don’t have to fit the mold to succeed.” Her mission now includes mentoring young women and advocating for diversity in surgery—not just gender, but experience, culture, and energy.
Through her research at the Women’s Cardiovascular Center in Montreal, Dr. Forcillo is leading a quiet revolution. Her studies shine a light on the stark reality: women are still twice as likely to die after a heart attack or cardiac procedure than men. Why? Because most data comes from male subjects. She’s changing that by exploring gender-specific risk factors like pregnancy complications, hormonal shifts, and menopause—and pushing for precision medicine that centers women.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, when surgeries slowed, Dr. Forcillo launched MD Esthétique—a medical aesthetics clinic that aligns beauty with biology. Her approach is rooted in authenticity: natural enhancement, holistic care, and helping people feel like their most confident selves. At first, colleagues questioned why a cardiac surgeon would explore aesthetics. But she saw no contradiction. Whether in the OR or at the clinic, her mission is the same: restore confidence, save lives, and uplift people.
Now, her sights are set on expanding her research, growing her clinic, and maintaining balance as a wife, mother, and leader. Her message to women? Define your own rhythm. Reject the myths of perfection. Success doesn’t require sacrifice of self—it requires self-awareness, clarity, and aligned ambition.
Dr. Jessica Forcillo is not just saving lives—she’s rewriting the rules of medicine, one heartbeat at a time. She’s a surgeon, a scholar, a CEO, and above all, a woman on a mission. And that mission is pure GOSSY gold.
Photography by Chantal Gallant
