Dr. K. M. Cherian was a renowned Indian heart surgeon, known for his pioneering work in cardiac surgery. He performed India’s first coronary artery bypass surgery in 1975 and was instrumental in advancing cardiac care in the country. He founded several medical institutions, including Frontier Lifeline Hospital in Chennai. Dr. Cherian was also honored with the Padma Shri by the Government of India in 1991 for his contributions to medicine. He served as the honorary surgeon to the President of India from 1990 to 1993.

Dr. K. M. Cherian was a pivotal figure in the field of cardiac surgery in India. Here are some key details about his life and contributions:

• Early Life and Education: Born on March 8, 1942, in Kayamkulam, Kerala, Dr. Cherian studied medicine at Kasturba Medical College in Manipal, where he completed his MBBS in 1964 and MS in Surgery in 1970. His early career began as a lecturer in Surgery at Christian Medical College Hospital in Vellore.The book “Hand of God: A Biography of Dr. K M Cherian,” written by Priya M Menon, provides an in-depth look at the life and career of Dr. Kotturathu Mammen Cherian, a pioneering cardiac surgeon in India. Here are the key points:
  Early Life and Career: Dr. Cherian, born in Munnar, Kerala, grew up in a plantation environment. His journey into medicine began with his education at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, and further specialization in Australia at St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, where he became the first Indian to pursue a Masters in Cardiothoracic Surgery.
  Medical Milestones: His career is marked by numerous firsts in Indian medical history. He performed India’s first successful bypass surgery in 1975, introduced profound hypothermia and circulatory arrest for infant cardiac surgeries, and conducted India’s first heart transplant in the private sector in 1995 after brain death was legalized. Other notable achievements include the first mitral valve replacement for endomyocardial fibrosis, the first correction of transposition of great vessels using the Senning Technique, and the first bilateral lung transplantation in India.
  Personal Life: The biography delves into personal aspects like his childhood, his love for hunting reflected by his gun collection, and the memory of Ahalya, which haunts him. It also covers the hardships and the emotional rollercoaster of his professional life, including the trauma of his first witnessed death on the operating table.
  Philanthropy and Influence: Dr. Cherian’s association with Mother Teresa significantly shaped his commitment to serve the underprivileged, especially children with congenital heart conditions. His memoir, “Just An Instrument,” further reflects his philosophy of being an instrument of divine work, emphasizing his belief in serving humanity.
  Recognition: Throughout his career, he has received numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri in 1992, and has been recognized both nationally and internationally for his contributions to cardiac surgery.
  Legacy: Dr. Cherian’s life story is portrayed as one of inspiration, showing his dedication to advancing cardiac care in India through innovation, compassion, and a tireless commitment to medicine.
  This biography not only chronicles his professional achievements but also humanizes him, providing insights into his personal motivations, challenges, and the profound impact he has had on the field of medicine in India.
• Global Training: Dr. Cherian pursued further training abroad, receiving his FRACS in Cardiothoracic Surgery in Australia in 1973. He also worked in New Zealand under Sir Brian Barratt-Boyes and was a Special Fellow in Pediatric Cardiac Surgery in Birmingham, Alabama, under Dr. John W. Kirklin, and later at the University of Oregon under Dr. Albert Starr.
• Pioneering Surgeries:
• 1975: Performed India’s first successful coronary artery bypass surgery at Southern Railway Headquarters Hospital, Chennai.
• 1995: Conducted India’s second heart transplant at Frontier Lifeline Hospital, which he founded.
• Other firsts include the first heart-lung transplant, the first bilateral lung transplantation, and the first pediatric heart transplant in India.
• Institutional Contributions:
• He was the Founding Vice President and Director of Madras Medical Mission (MMM) and the Founding Chairman of Pondicherry Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS).
• Established Frontier Lifeline Hospital in Chennai, which became renowned for its cardiac care.
• Awards and Honors:
• Received the Padma Shri in 1991 for his contributions to medicine.
• Was honored with a lifetime achievement award by Kasturba Medical College in 2000.
• Became the first Indian President of the World Society of Cardio-Thoracic Surgeons in 2010.
• Later Life and Legacy:
• Dr. Cherian was not only known for his surgical skills but also for his philanthropy and commitment to providing affordable healthcare. His charitable trust established the St. Gregorios Cardio Vascular Centre in Kerala.
• He passed away on January 26, 2025, in Bengaluru at the age of 82, leaving behind a legacy marked by numerous firsts in cardiac surgery in India.
• Literary Contributions: His life story was chronicled in his memoirs “Hand of God” (2015) and “Just An Instrument” (2024), which detail his professional journey and personal philosophies.

Dr. Cherian’s work has had a profound impact on cardiac care in India, making him a revered figure in the medical community. His contributions are well-documented on various platforms, including his hospital’s website, news articles, and social media posts acknowledging his passing.

Recent posts on X and web information indicate that Dr. K. M. Cherian passed away on January 25, 2025, at the age of 82. His legacy includes not only his surgical innovations but also his mentorship of countless medical professionals and his commitment to improving healthcare through technology and innovation.