Toronto ACHD program: A 65 year legacy.

Abstract

The Toronto Adult Congenital Heart Disease (ACHD) Program at the University Health Network, University of Toronto, began in 1959. It traces its origins to a Paul Wood protégé, Dr. John Evans, and to a long-standing and supportive relationship with Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), located just across the street. Over the decades, the program has grown to become a major center for training and research in ACHD and one of the largest clinical programs for ACHD care globally. This paper recounts the 65-year history of the program, including some of its key individuals, challenges, milestones, innovations, discoveries, and future aspirations.