Dr. Selwyn Baker, from Hammersmith Hospital, along with Dr. V.I Mathan and Dr. Benjamin Pulimood contributed significantly in different ways to start the Department of Gastrointestinal Sciences. Dr Baker laid the foundation for the research,Dr Mathan was responsible for starting the clinical unit, initiating the endoscopy services and beginning a training programme in Gastroenterology while continuing to foster basic research. Dr Pulimood, although never a member of the department himself, was responsible for planting the idea of the speciality of Hepatology.

Dr V.I.Mathan started the Gastroenterology Clinic and gastrointestinal endoscopy services in 1974. In 1977, he established a formal teaching course leading to an exam - first with the National Academy of Sciences and later with Madras University. Dr George Kurian, who joined the department in 1977, was the first student.

Dr. Ashok Chacko joined the department in 1979. He was incharge of the very active and upto date endoscopy service and responsible for developing most of the Upper GI, Biliary and Pancreatic therapeutic endoscopy procedures including endoscopic ultrasound. Dr B.S. Ramakrishna joined the course next in 1979, and became a role model for all aspiring physician-scientists.

Dr. George M.Chandy joined the department in 1983. On completion of his formal training, he took up the task of building up the division of Hepatology. He concentrated on building up the clinical work initially while working with Dr. George Kurian and faculty from other departments to set up a successful Liver Transplantation Programme in CMC. The first Liver Transplantation was performed in 1999.