Hands-On Surgical Training (HOST) Bootcamp
A three-day intensive congenital heart surgery workshop for fellows and early-career surgeons.
October 16 -18, 2026 (Hybrid)
The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids)
Patient Support Centre | Directions
Toronto, Canada
About the HOST Bootcamp
The HOST 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.
The course is designed for accredited congenital and international fellows in congenital cardiac surgery, as well as junior staff in years 1-3 dedicated to advancing their skills and knowledge in the dynamic field of congenital heart surgery.
Course Benefits
Establish Procedural Sequence
Gain mastery in the procedural sequence for common congenital heart surgery procedures, including:
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ECMO cannulation
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Arch Reconstruction
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Ross Konno
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Arterial Switch Operation
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Other procedures
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.
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.
Proctors
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Dr. Rachel Vanderlaan
Dr. Rachel Vanderlaan is an attending cardiovascular surgeon at SickKids and also performs adult congenital cardiac surgery at Toronto General Hospital. She is course Director for the HOST bootcamp and the monthly HOST course.
Chief of Cardiovascular Surgery
Dr. Osami Honjo
Dr. Honjo's 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.
Cardiovascular Surgeon
Dr. Christoph Haller
Dr. Haller's 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.
Agenda
11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. ET
11:30 a.m.
Light refreshments served
(30 min)
12:00 p.m.
Welcome, RDV & Setup
(30 min)
12:30 p.m.
Lecture 1:
TOF | Arch Reconstruction
(30 min)
1:00 p.m.
Hands-on Session 1:
TOF Silicone Model
(120 min)
3:00 p.m.
Break
(30 min)
3:30 p.m.
Lecture 2:
ECMO Emergencies
(30 min)
4:00 p.m.
Hands-on Session 2:
Neonatal ECMO Simulator
(120 min)
6:30 p.m.
Toronto Skyline Dinner
(60 min)
