Septimiu Murgu, MD

UChicago Faculty Physicians

Septimiu Murgu, MD

Professor of Medicine

25 Insurance Plans Accepted

Meet Dr. Murgu

My name is Septimiu Murgu. People call me Tim Murgu. That's my nickname. I'm a pulmonary and critical care physician here at the University of Chicago, And I sub-specialize in interventional pulmonology, which is a subspecialty of pulmonary medicine aiming to diagnose and treat patients suffering from lung disorders in a minimally invasive way. We do procedures in the airways, in the windpipes, mainly bronchoscopy, both for diagnosis and for treatment of airway problems. And we also perform procedures in a minimally invasive way in the pleural space, which is the space between the chest wall and the lung, in patients who suffer from pleural effusion.

I came to the University of Chicago more than 10 years ago. I trained in medicine many years ago. I moved to California for almost nine years. And I did leave Southern California, the sunny California, to come here to join a great team and join my wife's family. But I'm really excited about the career opportunities here and about the teamwork that we have here at the University of Chicago. I say that genuinely. I truly believe none of us is as smart as all of us. And here, we're really fortunate. I'm really fortunate to work with very skilled and intelligent people, not only in my department, but also in other specialties.

I am a lifelong learner. I continue to attend meetings on a regular basis. For many of them, I'm fortunate to be an instructor and an educator. And in fact, I'm interested in procedure-related training. As a parentheses, I just finished my term as chair of Education Committee for our national society, American College of Chest Physicians. And in my involvement with the society, I've been designing and implementing courses for physicians and other health care professionals for teaching the procedures that I do.

But I continue to learn. Every year, there is something new. And especially here at the University of Chicago, we're excited, because every time there is a newer technology that comes on the market, if it's supported by good data, we're able to acquire it and implement it in our practice. And then from patients, I continuously learn. It's a very noble experience and enriching experience in encountering patients suffering from lung problems.

Septimiu Murgu, MD, is a highly skilled interventional pulmonologist. Dr. Murgu has specific expertise in minimally invasive techniques, such as bronchoscopic and pleural procedures, to diagnose and treat patients with central airway disorders. Dr. Murgu’s specialty extends to a wide range of central airway disorders, including tracheal stenosis, tracheobronchomalacia, excessive dynamic airway collapse and airway obstruction from cancer. He also performs laser-assisted mechanical dilation of airway strictures, airway stenting and bronchoscopic treatments for benign and malignant airway lesions using photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy and electrosurgery techniques.

With Dr. Murgu’s extensive knowledge of airflow dynamics, nomenclature and classification systems of tracheal stenosis, tracheobronchomalacia (the weakening of the trachea and bronchi) and excessive dynamic airway collapse, he has the experience, knowledge and skill to deliver long-term success for his patients.

His clinical and research interests include minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic interventions for patients suffering from benign and malignant airway obstruction. In his research, Dr. Murgu is evaluating the safety and outcomes of multimodal bronchoscopic interventions for patients suffering from benign and malignant airway obstruction. He published articles on the role of bronchoscopy for molecular testing, diagnosis of lung nodules, and therapeutic bronchoscopy for central airway disorders. Additionally, he authored a best-selling textbook on bronchoscopy as well as written numerous book chapters and clinical guidelines pertinent to the management of patients with lung cancer.

Dr. Murgu is also actively involved in creating education projects for physicians to enhance their treatment techniques. With this new curriculum, physicians learn by using simulation technology, interactive step-by-step instructions and problem-based teaching which create an engaging and authentic learning environment. His contributions to the field of procedure-related training has been recognized by his peers and professional societies.

Specialties

Areas of Expertise

Board Certifications

  • Pulmonary Disease
  • Critical Care Medicine

Memberships & Medical Societies

  • World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology
  • International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer
  • American Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology
  • Society of Critical Care Medicine
  • American College of Chest Physicians

Practicing Since

  • 2003

Languages Spoken

  • Romanian
  • English

Awards & Distinctions

  • Chair, CHEST/AABIP/AIPPD panel for “The Use of Tracheostomy during COVID-19 Pandemic” Expert Panel Report
  • Chair, Education Committee for the American College of Chest Physicians
  • President, American Association of Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology
  • Member, Program Committees for the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer programs and CHEST
  • Editor, World Association for Bronchology and Interventional Pulmonology Newsletter
  • Distinguished CHEST Educator designation (top 4% of international faculty)
  • Geoffrey McLennan Memorial Award for Advancements in Interventional Pulmonology

Medical Education

  • University of Medicine and Pharmacy "Carol Davila"

Residency

  • AMITA Health Saint Francis Hospital Evanston

Fellowship

  • University of California San Francisco Medical Center

News & Research

View Published Papers
  • Aetna HMO (specialists only)
  • Aetna POS
  • Aetna PPO
  • BCBS Blue Precision HMO (specialists only)
  • BCBS HMO (HMOI) (specialists only)
  • BCBS PPO
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna POS
  • Cigna PPO
  • CountyCare *see insurance page
  • Aetna Better Health *see insurance page
  • Medicare
  • Multiplan PPO
  • PHCS PPO
  • United Choice Plus POS/PPO
  • United Options (PPO)
  • United Select (HMO & EPO) (specialists only)
  • United W500 Emergent Wrap
  • Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • BCBS Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Choice PPO
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Choice PFFS
  • Humana Medicare Advantage Gold Plus HMO
  • United Choice HMO (specialists only)
  • University of Chicago Health Plan (UCHP)

Our list of accepted insurance providers is subject to change at any time. You should contact your insurance company to confirm UChicago Medicine participates in their network before scheduling your appointment. If your insurance company is not listed here, or if you have any other questions, please contact Managed.Care@uchospitals.edu.

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