This groundbreaking new conference will bring together leading international and regional surgeons, trainees, and allied health professionals to explore contemporary and contextualized clinical approaches, surgical techniques, health-system strengthening, and perioperative topics of interest in Africa including:
- Plenary sessions that feature key regional speakers and international leaders, including current and past presidents of EACTS, STS, CSIA, SCTSSA, as well as the Asian Society of Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery (ASCVTS), the Society for Cardiothoracic Surgery in Great Britain and Ireland (SCTS) and the Brazilian Society of Cardiovascular Surgery (SBCCV).
- Individual simulation sessions focused on surgical techniques for the modified Bentall procedure, rheumatic mitral valve repair, aortic root enlargement strategies, and others.
- Team-building simulation series introducing key situational and crisis management strategies utilizing the novel Califia system from the University of the Free State, South Africa.
- Roundtable conversations with health management experts surrounding disparities in resources for cardiothoracic capabilities as well as health-system strengthening in Africa.
- Panel discussions with industry representatives involving supply chain solutions and sourcing at scale for regional programmes.
- Social events to network with regional & international colleagues and leaders in the field.
View the agenda. Early bird registration closes June 15, 2026.
Global Cardiac Surgery Scholars Program
Across many regions of the world, clinicians are building and strengthening cardiac surgery programs under challenging circumstances and developing innovative solutions to meet the needs of their patients and communities. The Thoracic Surgery Foundation supports the meeting with funding for surgeons or trainees expanding access to care in low- or lower-middle-income countries. Submission of an original abstract is a prerequisite for scholarship eligibility. Learn more and apply.
