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
Bootcamp Preliminary Agenda
History of HOST
2015
Hands-On Surgical Training (HOST) in congenital heart surgery is an educational platform started in 2015, designed to provide surgeons with the opportunity to practice surgical procedures on various congenital heart defects using simulation on 3D-printed models. The inaugural HOST event in 2015 was hosted by the American Association for Thoracic Surgery (AATS), utilizing 3D-printed models developed and produced by SickKids. Following this success, SickKids launched its Annual International HOST in 2016, further enhancing training opportunities in this specialized field.
2021
In 2021 we transitioned to more realistic silicone models, which offer enhanced tactile feedback, allowing participants to experience a closer approximation to actual surgical conditions. This evolution has significantly improved the training experience, enabling surgeons to refine their skills and gain confidence in a safe, controlled environment.
2024
In 2024, we launched our first HOST Bootcamp—a global hybrid course covering key surgical conditions. For the first time, SickKids incorporated a wet-lab using pig hearts, offering hands-on training to enhance skill development and build surgical confidence. The course was met with enthusiastic feedback, setting a strong foundation for future training.
2025
Following the success of our inaugural HOST Bootcamp in 2024, we are proud to return in 2025 with an even more refined and immersive experience. This hybrid course continues to provide global access for both in-person and virtual participants, maintaining our commitment to high-quality, hands-on surgical training. Building on last year’s innovative foundation, we once again incorporate a wet-lab component using pig hearts—an essential opportunity for participants to practice technical skills in a realistic, supportive setting. With new modules and advanced case simulations, the 2025 Bootcamp pushes the boundaries of surgical education, empowering trainees with the confidence and competence to handle a wide range of congenital heart conditions.
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 a staff cardiovascular surgeon 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.
Location / Zoom
In-Person Attendees:
Join us at The Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning (PGCRL), conveniently situated across from The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto. The building entrance is located off Bay Street. The surgical training and lectures will take place on the third level in Event Rooms 3a/b.
686 Bay St., Toronto, ON M5G 0A4
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.
