Eleven permanent and interim chairs have led the department since its inception in 1948. Former chairs include:

Juhan Paiste, M.D., M.B.A., C.P.E.
Interim, 2017-2018

Keith A. (Tony) Jones, M.D.
2006 – 2017

James A. Boyce, M.D.
Interim, 2005 – 2006

David H. Chestnut, M.D.
1994 – 2005

Paul N. Samuelson, M.D.
Interim, 1992 – 1994

Simon Gelman, M.D.
1989 – 1992

Edward A. Ernst, M.D.
1978 – 1989

Francisco Gutierrez, M.D.
Interim, 1977 – 1978

Guenter Corssen, M.D.
1968 – 1977

Rudolpho Allarde, M.D.
Interim, 1967 – 1968 

Chester W. White, Jr., M.D.
1961 – 1967

Alice McNeal, M.D.
1948 – 1961