Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD

4.9 
1080 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Urologic Oncology

Secondary Specialty

  • Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery
  • Urology

Insurance

For specific plans, see the full plan list. To be sure this medical professional is covered by your insurance plan, please contact your insurance carrier.

Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, PhD, University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine - 2001
Internship:
Johns Hopkins University - 2007
Residency:
Johns Hopkins University - 2007

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Urology - Urology (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.9
4.9 

1080 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

August 30, 2022

5.0

His intelligence and way is speaking with the patient is outstanding

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August 30, 2022

5.0

Very Professional

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August 30, 2022

5.0

Still early in the process, but took the time to explain carefully, answer questions, etc. Though he's been through thousands of these, he consulted with us with the attitude of knowing that we haven't been through it like that. He was patient, spoke in plain layman's language, etc.

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August 29, 2022

5.0

Very friendly and detailed, great bed side manor

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August 27, 2022

5.0

Very pleased with expertise, patience, care and accessibility of Dr Schaeffer.

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August 26, 2022

5.0

He was very helpful in explaining to me his treatment for my Prostate Cancer. Extremely detailed and professional I felt really good after talking to him.

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August 23, 2022

5.0

I needed a second opinion on options and doctor explained to what I needed. I feel confident in my decision, thank you to Dr. Schaefer.

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August 23, 2022

5.0

Thoroughly explained all steps, knows his job, got me in and out quickly and without delay.

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August 22, 2022

5.0

I have so much confidence in him.

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August 22, 2022

5.0

Patient, respectful, compassionate, excellent communication.

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August 22, 2022

5.0

Start to finish...#1 in his field.

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August 19, 2022

5.0

I think he is one of the best.

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August 18, 2022

5.0

He was both through and direct

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August 14, 2022

5.0

He’s great at his job

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August 13, 2022

5.0

Imbues confidence and a highly regarded expert in his field. In my case received excellent results.

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August 13, 2022

5.0

He reviewed my case, did an excellent job of explaining the options, and gave us confidence that there will be successful outcome. Also made us feel very comfortable about the procedure. We are vey happy to have him as our doctor

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August 12, 2022

5.0

He removed my prostate 6 years ago with no reoccurrence of cancer to date. He addressed the issue of recent blood in urine undertaking research and procedures as needed. Great communicator.

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August 12, 2022

5.0

Professional and not intimidating.

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August 12, 2022

5.0

Transparent, encouraging, detailed, experienced, the best

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August 08, 2022

5.0

Good doctor. Person you can trust with your life.

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August 02, 2022

5.0

He’s the best. Explains everything going on. Very professional about everything

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August 02, 2022

5.0

He’s not standing surgeon!

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August 01, 2022

5.0

Top urologist of the country

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August 01, 2022

5.0

Very caring and professional.

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August 01, 2022

5.0

Very clear and concise

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July 26, 2022

5.0

Professional doctor with a reasoned step scale approach to addressing an issue.

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July 26, 2022

5.0

The best in the business

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July 25, 2022

5.0

Highly professional and offers good explanations for decisions about care

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July 19, 2022

5.0

One of the best

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July 18, 2022

5.0

Highly qualified and experienced

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July 15, 2022

5.0

I have already recommended several people to Dr. S.

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July 15, 2022

5.0

Incredibly professional, thorough communicator, clear subject matter expertise, and executed outstanding care. From time I met dr. Schaefer to time he personally completed a biopsy was three hours. Remarkable

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July 15, 2022

5.0

Profesional de primer nivel , preciso en sus explicaciones y con exquisito trato.

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July 15, 2022

5.0

Top doctor in his field takes his time explains everything

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July 13, 2022

5.0

He is highly skilled and professional.

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July 12, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgable, clear communicator, very direct. Even though extremely busy, takes time to answer questions.

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July 12, 2022

5.0

Thoughtful and listens well. Had studied my records. Flexible and uses appropriate reasoning. Expressed interest in my career.

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July 11, 2022

5.0

He the best

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July 11, 2022

5.0

He explains everything in a friendly easy to understand manner, and states his treatment is data driven. He has great credentials.....I feel I'm in good hands.

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July 11, 2022

5.0

Quick appointment turnaround time, highly recommended by his peers, very thorough and sets out a plan of action.

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July 08, 2022

5.0

I'm very confident in his abilities and comfortable with his treatment.

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July 02, 2022

5.0

on time and great communication

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July 01, 2022

5.0

I got the impression that he is a real expert in his discipline. He answered all my questions very clearly. The office operates very efficiently.

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July 01, 2022

5.0

Out standing approach in caring and explaining

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June 28, 2022

5.0

He is great.

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June 27, 2022

5.0

He is in my opinion the best urologist for me and my family.

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June 27, 2022

5.0

Great service and care, personable and efficient.

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June 17, 2022

5.0

Great job explaining

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June 17, 2022

5.0

The best in the business

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June 13, 2022

5.0

He answered all of my questions and minimized the discomfort level of the prostate biopsy I had today

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June 13, 2022

5.0

Minimal painVery reassuring and communication is great.

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June 12, 2022

5.0

He was very helpful, professional, reassuring and took the time to make certain I understood everything.

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June 07, 2022

5.0

He has been highly recommended to me and I have been reading and even the staff at NM told me I was in good hands with Dr. Schaefer.

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June 06, 2022

5.0

He was great. Explaining everything he answered questions & was right to the point

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June 06, 2022

5.0

Top rate medical care

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June 03, 2022

5.0

Leader in his field. Skillful. Compasionate

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June 03, 2022

5.0

He comes across very knowledgeable, caring and experienced.

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May 31, 2022

4.0

Professionalism

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May 31, 2022

5.0

Very professional interaction. Answered all my questions clearly and completely.

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May 27, 2022

5.0

Highest level of expertise , accessibility and commitment to patient care

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May 27, 2022

5.0

Made me feel comfortable and answered all my questions. I felt he really cares.Told me like it is and explained it so I could understand.

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May 27, 2022

5.0

Highly recommended by my general practitioner, Mark Stolar, and our visit confirmed my hopes/expectations.

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May 27, 2022

5.0

Received excellent care and have had a quick recovery.

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May 23, 2022

5.0

I have researched him on the internet and his credentials. As with my experience with the Cardiology Department and Doctor Bradley Knight I believe he is of the same medical caliber of doctors that Northwestern is noted for.

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May 23, 2022

5.0

The is the best surgeon and a very clear communicator.

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May 20, 2022

5.0

He exudes confidence in a professional manner

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May 19, 2022

5.0

He took the time to explain my condition and answer questions about surgery and recovery.

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March 26, 2022

5.0

What can I tell you, he's the best.................

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March 25, 2022

5.0

He is a great physician and surgeon and cares about his patients.

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March 25, 2022

5.0

I had a Good Visit and all the Staff was helpful and pleasant . Including Dr. Schaeffer. I was also in and out within 1 hour. Would have been a 10 but Dr, Schaeffer only works 95% out of Downtown , it would be nice if he could get more time in the Northern Suburbs.

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March 21, 2022

5.0

He listens and explains everything in an understandable manner. He and his staff are readily available and get back to you in a timely manner.

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March 21, 2022

5.0

I have confidence in his services/skill.

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March 21, 2022

5.0

Very attentive and professional care

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March 21, 2022

5.0

The recommendation from others I know and trust at NMH his reputation and research, his demeanor and the team members I have interacted with.

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March 18, 2022

5.0

He obviously has seen and answered many patient’s concerns and apprehensions. His confidence was reassuring. Could not imagine a better guide.

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March 14, 2022

5.0

I think he's the best.

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March 11, 2022

5.0

Too many to enumerate. A great fit for my patient needs

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March 11, 2022

5.0

Straight shooter who cares about his team and patients. Seems genuinely concerned in patient care and outcomes.

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March 10, 2022

5.0

He is a consummate professional and explains things well.

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March 06, 2022

5.0

This was my first visit with Dr Schaeffer so it’s too early to judge

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March 04, 2022

5.0

The Urologists comes highly qualified and recommended some research on my part..

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February 28, 2022

5.0

Outstanding care.

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February 28, 2022

5.0

Highly skilled and knowledgeable

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February 25, 2022

5.0

He’s a pro who is very knowledgeable, caring and passionate about the work he’s doing.

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February 22, 2022

5.0

The care Dr. Schaeffer and his team provided was nothing short of top-notch; his caring for me was evident in every interaction we had (and we continue to have them); I am a surgical patient and couldn't be more pleased with the outcome; his skill, expertise and experience are apparent in every aspect of treatment; I am fortunate to have been referred to him.

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February 22, 2022

5.0

Very professional , punctualReally there’s nothing to complain about. He answered all the questions and was very prompt In returning all his messages. Being a physician myself Obviously had high expectations and he matched all of those

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February 21, 2022

4.0

My first visit with him after Dr. Gregory Auffenberg’s departure.

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February 21, 2022

5.0

He is an amazing Doctor who is very good with his patients

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February 21, 2022

5.0

Professional, good communication skills friendly

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February 18, 2022

5.0

He is very friendly yet professional.

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February 18, 2022

5.0

I'm just starting care and treatment with him. However he is held high in my opinion with regard to his patients and their care

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February 18, 2022

5.0

I have complete confidence in him.

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February 18, 2022

5.0

I like Dr. Schaeffer's approach to medicine. He explains the issues, lays out the process and next steps depending on the findings, and asks if you understand and have questions. Also refers to research supporting his approach. The check-in and lab tests went very smoothly, very well coordinated.

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February 18, 2022

5.0

The doctor and nurses were great. The attention to detail and answering questions makes a huge difference with comfort level both pre and post op.

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February 15, 2022

5.0

He has an interest in my health, and a plan for my future.

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February 14, 2022

5.0

He know what he is doing

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February 14, 2022

5.0

He seem like a nice doctor

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February 14, 2022

5.0

Very professional and explains the process clearly.

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February 14, 2022

5.0

Truly, an expert in his field of medicine.

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February 12, 2022

5.0

Very thorough, very knowledgeable & took time to explain everything.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Consulting / Related Activities

Faculty member engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • Astellas Pharma Global Development, Inc. (Astellas Pharma US, Inc.)
  • Lantheus Medical Imaging, Inc.
  • Pfizer, Inc.
  • PinnacleCare Health Advisors
  • Society of Urologic Oncology (SUO)

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.