Dr. Erwin Oechslin is a visionary leader, pioneering clinician, and passionate educator whose contributions have indelibly shaped the field of adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). After graduation from the University of Zurich (Switzerland) and completion of his adult cardiology training, he completed an additional one-year fellowship in pediatric cardiology in Zurich followed by a fellowship in ACHD at the University Health Network in Toronto under the mentorship of Dr. Gary Webb. Dr. Oechslin has established himself as one of the foremost authorities in the care of adults with congenital heart disease. During his tenure as director of the Toronto Adult Congenital Heart Program at the Peter Munk Cardiac Centre, he built it into one of the world’s leading programs in ACHD, renowned for its clinical excellence, academic rigor, and spirit of international collaboration. Dr. Oechslin has served in numerous national and international leadership roles, including as President of the Canadian Adult Congenital Heart Network, Chair of the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on Adult Congenital Heart Disease, and President of ISACHD. Just as importantly, he has been an extraordinary mentor, inspiring and training generations of clinicians who now carry forward his legacy of excellence and compassion.

The Award was presented by Dr. Jack Colman at the 34th International Symposium on Adult Congenital Heart Disease in Toronto, ON on June 5, 2025.