Congenital Heart Surgery
Bootcamp 2026
October 16, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT – October 18, 2026, 12:00 PM EDT / Toronto, Canada
Registration Open
About the HOST Bootcamp
The HOST (Hands-On Surgical Training) Bootcamp is an internationally recognized congenital heart surgery training program that delivers hands-on, simulation-based learning for fellows and early-career surgeons. The course features high-fidelity models that replicate real surgical anatomy, allowing participants to practice key procedures in a realistic, low-risk environment. Designed to build technical confidence and reinforce procedural understanding, the Bootcamp combines expert instruction with immersive, practical experience.
Proctors
Dr. Rachel Vanderlaan
Dr. Rachel Vanderlaan is an attending Cardiovascular surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children and also preforms adult congenital cardiac surgery at Toronto General Hospital. She is Course Director for the HOST congenital training bootcamp and the monthly HOST course.
Dr. Osami Honjo
Dr Honjo is chief of cardiovascular surgery at the Hospital for Sick Children. His clinical practice focuses on open heart surgery in neonates and infants, surgical palliation for single ventricle patients, mechanical cardiopulmonary support in the pediatric population, and surgery for patients with adult congenital heart diseases.
Dr. Christoph Haller
Dr Haller is a staff cardiovascular surgeon at the Hospital for Sick Children. His clinical practice focuses on open heart surgery in both pediatric and adult patients with congenital heart disease. Dr Haller attended the inaugural HOST course in 2015 as a delegate whilst a fellow at Sickkids and now is one of the proctors of the course.
About the Course
Participants:
Designed for accredited congenital and international fellows in congenital cardiac surgery, as well as junior staff in years 1-3, this program caters to individuals committed to advancing their skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of congenital heart surgery.
Location:
Located at the heart of medical innovation, SickKids provides an unparalleled setting for hands-on learning and collaboration. Our state-of-the-art facilities offer the perfect backdrop for mastering cutting-edge techniques.
Course Objectives:
1. Establish Procedural Sequence: Gain mastery in the procedural sequence for common congenital heart surgery procedures, including ECMO cannulation, Arch Reconstruction, Ross Konno, Arterial Switch Operation and other procedures
2. Faculty Guidance: Receive invaluable advice from our esteemed faculty on career advancement, technical performance, and transitioning to a faculty role. Benefit from the wisdom and expertise of leaders in the field.
3. Longitudinal Simulation Access: Establish access to congenital heart surgery longitudinal simulations during your fellowship training, enhancing your ability to apply theoretical knowledge to practical scenarios
Agenda
Time (EST) | Day 1 - Friday Oct. 16 | Day 2 - Saturday Oct. 17 | Day 3 - Sunday Oct. 18 |
|---|---|---|---|
7:30 AM | Breakfast | Breakfast | |
8:00 AM | Lecture 3: Ross Konno: Tips and Tricks | Lecture 6: Norwood | |
8:30 AM | Hands on Session 3: Wet Lab/ Virtual Ross-Konno | ||
9:00 AM | Hands-on Session 6: Norwood | ||
9:30 AM | |||
10:00 AM | |||
10:30 AM | |||
11:00 AM | Break: Food & Beverage | ||
11:30 AM | Food & Beverage | Course Wrap up | |
12:00 PM | Welcome / RDV / Setup | Lunch | End of Bootcamp |
12:30 PM | Lecture 1: TOF | ||
1:00 PM | Hands-on Session 1: TOF | Lecture 4: TGA |
Location / Zoom
In-Person Attendees:
Join us at the Patient Support Centre, located across from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. The surgical training and lectures will take place on the third floor in the PSC Compassion and Excellence Rooms (Event Rooms 2A/2B and 3A/3B).
Patient Support Centre
175 Elizabeth St
Toronto, ON M5G 0C7
Virtual Participants:
Connect with us online via Zoom (EST). We will send all necessary models and equipment before the course date. Please ensure you have an adequate setup (as shown in the provided photo) before the HOST sessions start.
Meeting ID: TBD
Passcode: TBD
.jpg)