MD, Dr. Sc., Academician of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Full Professor Mykola M. Amosov was a founder of thoracic and cardiac surgery in the USSR. It was his idea to found the Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonology in Ukraine.

The Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonology was organized in 1975 with the participation of the Rector of Kyiv Medical Academy, Full Professor Mykhailo N. Umovist and the Minister of Health of Ukraine, Full Professor Vasyl D. Bratus.

MD, Dr. Sc., Full Professor Olga M. Avilova was the first head of the department. She was the founder of the scientific school of tracheo-bronchial reconstructive surgery. She published 3 surgical books. 

In 1988-2009 Full Professor Anatoliy V. Makarov was the head of the department. 

Since 2009 the Department of General Thoracic Surgery and Pulmonology has been headed by MD, Dr. Sc., Full Professor Vadym G. Getman. 

Residents. Surgical residents of other specialties (general surgeons, pediatric surgeons, orthopedic and trauma surgeons) have their practice at the department as part of their residency program.