Why we do this

OUR MISSION & VISION

How it all started.

For Dr. Bobby Yanagawa, cardiac surgery is more than a profession—it’s a purpose. Over the years, he’s mentored countless medical students, many of whom credit him with opening doors they never thought possible.

But as his career progressed, he saw a troubling truth: while talent was everywhere, opportunity was not. Brilliant, driven young people—especially from racialized and underserved communities—were being shut out of medicine by barriers beyond their control.

Dr. Yanagawa understood the cost of this: A healthcare system that doesn’t reflect its patients can’t serve them as effectively. When diversity is missing from the surgical field, health outcomes suffer—statistics show this to be true time and time again.

That’s why he founded Operation Heart. To give exceptional youth the support they deserve. And to help build a healthcare system that’s stronger, more effective, and truly representative of the people it serves.

Our Mission

To open pathways to cardiac surgery for talented youth who have historically been shut out of the field—because statistics show when our healthcare system reflects the people it serves, outcomes improve for everyone.

We support underrepresented students with the potential to become exceptional cardiac surgeons by providing mentorship, hands-on learning, and access to opportunities too often denied due to systemic barriers.

Our work is rooted in a simple truth: Talent is universal. Opportunity is not. We're here to change that.

Our Vision

A healthcare system where:

  • Every patient is treated by professionals who understand and reflect their communities.

  • Surgical teams are stronger, more compassionate, and more effective because of who is at the table.

  • A generation of brilliant young people—regardless of race, gender, or background—can rise to meet Canada’s growing cardiac care needs.

We envision a future where diverse talent isn’t overlooked—it’s nurtured. And the result? A stronger, more effective healthcare system that works better for all Canadians.