Our Impact

Every future surgeon we support is a step toward a stronger, more effective healthcare system.

Operation Heart exists to change lives—both for the underrepresented youth we mentor and for the countless patients they’ll one day serve.

Here’s a glimpse of the difference we’re making:

Students talking in a group in a waiting registration area, at a surgical career event.

Patient Care Strengthened

43 MD students and aspiring cardiac surgeons actively mentored in Ontario hospitals.

3 hospitals engaged in hands-on learning partnerships.

35 simulations and hands-on wetlab sessions conducted.

We’re not just imagining a better system—we’re building it, from the ground up.

Students and surgeons in blue protective gowns conducting a surgical demonstration with a surgical light overhead in a clinical or educational setting.

Youth Empowered

43 MD students, 120 Undergrad students and 310 High School students supported on their journey toward cardiac surgery.

1000+ mentorship hours provided by cardiac professionals.

Even one opportunity can change the course of a student’s life—and their future patients’ lives too.

Group of six diverse young students standing in a classroom giving a medical presentation to their peers. There is a large screen in the background for their slideshow.

What Our Participants Say

"I used to think people like me didn’t become surgeons. Now I know I can. And I will." — Amina, student participant

"Mentoring through Operation Heart reminds me why I became a doctor in the first place." — Medical volunteer

A surgeon in a gray suit and glasses is speaking to a group of six young students, all wearing conference badges and standing against a gray marble wall in a professional setting.

Awareness Raised

200+ students introduced to medicine who didn’t see it as an option before.

32 outreach events hosted in high schools and community centers.

3000+ attendees reached through community talks, webinars, and panels.

Representation starts with outreach. We show young people what’s possible—and walk with them every step of the way.

Panel discussion at a conference with six surgeons seated on a stage, some holding microphones, and a backdrop with the text 'The Next Surgeon'.

Community Powered

60+ students, researchers, physicians and University leaders offering mentorship, training, and real-world guidance.

100s of non-medical volunteers supporting workshops, events, and logistics.

20 individual donors and donor organizations investing in the next generation of life-saving surgeons.

A diverse group of students attending a conference or seminar, sitting in chairs facing the front of the room where surgeon speakers are standing. Some are taking notes, some are listening attentively.

Long-Term Vision

With support from people like you, we aim to:

  • Double our student intake by 2028

  • Expand to 3 additional Canadian universities and several secondary schools.

A senior medical student in black suit and glasses standing in front of a research poster at a conference, wearing a name tag.
Surgeons performing a minimally invasive surgery using a robotic surgical system, with a monitor displaying the internal view of the patient's body.

Your Support Makes This Possible

Every gift. Every hour. Every conversation. You're shaping the future of cardiac care in Canada.

Donate Today