About
Us
An exciting, 2.5 day event that attracts world renowned experts in the field of shock to discuss current topics, challenging cases, share their expertise, and advance knowledge to a broad audience of providers.
Together, we can reduce shock's high mortality rate
The Houston Shock Symposium brings together world-renowned experts to share knowledge, discuss challenging cases, and advance shock management for a broad audience of healthcare providers. This year, we invite you to join us March 5–7, 2026, for an exciting 2.5-day event in the heart of downtown Houston.
Event highlights:
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Free general registration with complimentary breakfast and lunch provided.
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130+ national and international experts leading discussions on current topics and innovative approaches to shock care.
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Networking opportunities with 2,500+ registrants from around the globe.
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Earn continuing education credits in medical, nursing, AART, ABIM MOC, and perfusion.*
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Get hands-on training in percutaneous MCS device support, large bore access and closure, and the latest therapeutic devices at our Shock Theatre and Shock Experiences tables.
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Dedicated RN and APP summit on March 5th.
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Two games of Shock Jeopardy where participants test their knowledge, compete with peers, and enhance their understanding of shock-related topics.
Together, we’re building a community dedicated to learning, collaboration, and saving lives. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with leading experts, gain hands-on experience, and expand your knowledge in shock management.
Target
Audience
This symposium is designed for:
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Cardiologists
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Advanced heart failure cardiologists
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Cardiothoracic surgeons
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Intensivists and critical care physicians
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Nurses
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Perfusionists
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Residents/fellows
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Advanced practice providers
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Medical staff interested in the physiology, diagnosis, and management of shock
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:
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Recognize cardiogenic shock as a final common pathway of multiple disease states and the importance of early, efficient intervention.
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Differentiate between acute myocardial infarction-related cardiogenic shock (AMI-CS) and heart failure-related cardiogenic shock (HF-CS) to appreciate the clinical nuances of each.
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Identify key research priorities in cardiogenic shock, including the need for clinical trials and the development of large, population-based registries for quality improvement.
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Discuss current strategies for escalation and de-escalation of percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS) devices in the management of cardiogenic shock.
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Describe the kinetics of cardiogenic shock, patient-device interactions, and emerging non-device-based therapeutic options, including novel pharmacologic treatments.
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Explain the impact of pulmonary embolism on hemodynamic stability and review available therapies, including MCS device therapy and aspiration techniques for stabilization.
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Review critical care management strategies for patients in the medical ICU, including evidence-based approaches to ARDS management.
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Evaluate current and emerging therapies for valvular heart disease and their roles in the broader management of shock.
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Define the roles of critical care and interventional heart failure cardiologists and the importance of specialized training in advanced cardiogenic shock care.
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Outline the steps to establish and sustain a comprehensive cardiogenic shock program, including strategies to overcome institutional and system-level barriers.
Houston Shock Symposium Endorsements
The Houston Shock Symposium offers endorsements to educational programs and meetings with a substantial focus on shock.
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