Departments

Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Cutting-Edge Diagnostics and Treatment for Your Unrestricted Breathing

At Samsung Medical Center's Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, we are dedicated to delivering the highest quality care for patients with lung diseases and respiratory disorders. We leverage state-of-the-art medical technologies and a multidisciplinary approach to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment for a broad spectrum of respiratory conditions, including airway stenosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, interstitial lung disease, lung cancer, and mycobacterial diseases.

Our team works collaborate closely with Thoracic Surgery, Hematology and Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Pathology, and Nuclear Medicine, to develop and implement personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's condition. Guided by a patient-centered philosophy, we focus not only on treating disease but also on empowering patients through education and support-ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The division offers precise and timely diagnoses based on advanced equipment and extensive clinical experience. We are also actively engaged in research to develop innovative treatment methods. We promise to always do our utmost to help our patients regain the joy of unrestricted breathing and lead healthy lives.

Advanced Diagnostics and Innovative Therapies

Samsung Medical Center's Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine is a leading institution dedicated to providing advanced diagnostics and innovative therapies for complex respiratory conditions. Our specialized expertise spans multiple areas, ensuring comprehensive, cutting-edge care.

We perform more than 200-300 therapeutic rigid bronchoscopies annually for a wide range of airway obstructions-including malignant obstruction, post-intubation stenosis, post-tuberculosis stenosis, and benign airway tumors-representing over half of all such procedures nationwide. This volume solidifies our role as Korea's top referral center for complex airway stenosis, achieving exceptional outcomes that restore patients' ability to breathe freely.

Our team conducts approximately 2,000 diagnostic bronchoscopies each year, with extensive use of endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) for lung nodules and masses. EBUS plays a pivotal role in the early, accurate diagnosis of lung cancer and serves as the cornerstone of our integrated lung cancer management, from diagnosis through treatment.

We have particular expertise in the management of pulmonary nodules, including subsolid nodules, and maintain the nation's longest follow-up dataset on these lesions-providing unique insights into their natural history. Our comprehensive lung cancer treatment portfolio includes video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS), radiation therapy, proton therapy, chemotherapy, targeted agents, immunotherapy, and more.

As a recognized Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Center of Excellence, we provide advanced, multidisciplinary care for patients with complex interstitial lung diseases, working closely with Radiology, Pathology, Rheumatology, and Thoracic Surgery. We participate in numerous Phase 2 and Phase 3 clinical trials for challenging ILDs-including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), progressive fibrosing ILD, pulmonary alveolar proteinosis, and ILD-associated pulmonary hypertension-giving patients access to novel therapies and new hope.

We also deliver specialized care for moderate to severe airway diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and severe asthma, with goals of controlling symptoms, optimizing lung function, preventing exacerbations, and enhancing quality of life. Treatment options include biologics therapy, structured pulmonary rehabilitation programs, and endobronchial valve insertion for advanced emphysema.

Beyond these areas, we are a leading center for lung transplantation, providing life-saving options for patients with end-stage lung disease, and we maintain strong expertise in managing mycobacterial diseases, including tuberculosis and non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung disease. Through clinical research and participation in trials, we continually advance treatment for these challenging infections.

Specialized Expertise

Therapeutic and Diagnostic Bronchoscopy

We are Korea’s leading center for therapeutic and diagnostic bronchoscopy, delivering exceptional results in complex airway disease management and accurate, early diagnosis for lung cancer through advanced techniques.

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) Center of Excellence

We provide world-class, multidisciplinary care for complex ILDs, ensuring precise diagnosis, personalized treatment, and access to innovative therapies.

Advanced Airway Disease Management

We deliver expert, personalized care for severe airway diseases such as COPD and asthma. Using advanced therapies, rehabilitation, and minimally invasive interventions, we help patients breathe easier and improve their quality of life.

Collaborative & Holistic Respiratory Care

Our exceptional outcomes stem from a deeply rooted philosophy of collaborative excellence and a commitment to holistic, patient-centered care. While advanced diagnostics and innovative therapies are central to our success, their impact is magnified by seamless integration of expertise across multiple disciplines.

Our physicians work closely with specialists in Thoracic Surgery, Hematology and Oncology, Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Pathology, and Nuclear Medicine. This multidisciplinary synergy ensures that every patient benefits from a comprehensive, unified approach-especially in complex cases such as lung cancer and rare ILDs-where diverse perspectives guide the most effective treatment strategies.

Beyond medical specialists, our nursing staff, Respiratory Care Practitioners (RCPs), and laboratory personnel play vital roles in monitoring, treatment delivery, and precise diagnostic analysis. This integrated team is committed not only to delivering medical treatment but also to addressing the physical, emotional, and educational needs of patients and families. This collective effort forms the foundation of our division's reputation for excellence in respiratory medicine.