Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD

Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD

4.9 
1744 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Urologic Oncology

Secondary Specialty

  • Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery
  • Urology

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Practice Focus Areas

This medical professional has a particular interest or expertise in:

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 McHenry Huntley & Woodstock Hospitals
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 

1744 Ratings

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Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

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100 Most Recent Reviews

February 27, 2026

5.0

Expertise, responsiveness, clarity

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February 23, 2026

5.0

Professional, efficient, personal, informative.

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February 21, 2026

5.0

Very impressive man. Information is provided in clear and understandable manner. He projects confidence in his abilities yet remains humble and compassionate. I feel fortunate to be his patient.

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February 20, 2026

5.0

Simply an outstanding doctor who took the time today to address my issues and answer my questions.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

All one needs to do to see the difference between Dr. Schaeffer and others is read his book, where he documents his real results and explains in clear detail his current procedure and what he has learned to improve that procedure over time. That's all one can ask.

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February 13, 2026

5.0

Timely, efficient consult where he did all of his homework and delivered an opinion that I am moving forward with. I can not thank them enough.

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February 12, 2026

5.0

Knows his stuff.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

Based on the thoughtful cell phone voice only conversations, it's quite simple to highly recommend the Doctor and the system for ongoing care. I'm looking forward to our next step.

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February 09, 2026

5.0

He's the best

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February 06, 2026

5.0

Experience and scholarship

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February 04, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is very thorough, knowledgeable, professional and personable. He answered all of the questions with the most detailed explanation.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

He's the top in his field of work and gave very thorough and candid explanations of my questions.

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February 03, 2026

5.0

Very accommodating to my needs and schedule

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January 31, 2026

5.0

He informed me.

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January 30, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is kind, thoughtful, clear and concise.

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January 30, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is extremely knowledgeable in his field. He makes sound decisions based on his experience and expertise in Urology.

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January 30, 2026

5.0

He is one of the best

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January 27, 2026

5.0

He is thorough, knowledgeable, empathetic despite being very busy

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January 24, 2026

5.0

He seemed extremely competent, and the whole process was very efficient

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January 23, 2026

5.0

He is a great doctor.

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January 23, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is very professional and he takes the time to explain things thoroughly.

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January 19, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer took the time to explain my options and advised what was the best plan of action to take. Answered all our questions and was very friendly and professional.

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January 12, 2026

5.0

Took care of my needs and questions

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January 12, 2026

5.0

Well respected and thorough.

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January 05, 2026

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is a no nonsense, direct, let's get the show on the road sort, and I appreciate that. I have been going to him for several years, and trust him. This go round, I had medical issues separate from urology that came about since he last saw me, and instead of ignoring them or dismissing them or treating them as "other", he interestingly incorporated the knowledge in a 360 way to what I was there to get done today. I thought I would have to explain things inarticulately, but no need. He got it. That was cool.

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January 05, 2026

5.0

Was very clear in what he was doing, why and the intended result. Walked me through each step of the process.

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December 24, 2025

5.0

Exceptional medical care and outstanding response to my needs.

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December 19, 2025

5.0

Professional with good reputation.

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December 17, 2025

5.0

Without even trying Dr Shaeffer make you feel at ease about your health.

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December 16, 2025

5.0

Despite being a super busy guy, the doctor has followed through on all of my needs, and confidently explains his course of action for my case.

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December 15, 2025

5.0

Dr Schaeffer performed a prostate biopsy that was virtually pain free in 7-10 minutes. I was dreading this procedure and was soooo pleasantly surprised by the skillful techniques of Dr Schaeffer. He explained every step and put me at ease. Thank you, Dr Schaeffer!

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December 12, 2025

5.0

SAA. His confidence and demeanor were perfect for the situation.

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December 09, 2025

5.0

Great reputation, and he was clear, concise, thoughtful.

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December 05, 2025

5.0

I feel confident that Dr. Schaeffer will give the best possible recommendations for his patients.

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December 05, 2025

5.0

Very efficient, very knowledgeable was very clear in answering my questions, was very cooperative, and the procedure went very well.

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December 05, 2025

5.0

His knowledge and expertise

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December 05, 2025

5.0

Smart, caring and spends time with you to help you understand treatment choices

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November 26, 2025

5.0

The most skilled prostate cancer surgeon who surrounds himself with a complimentary team of specialists. In other treatments.

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November 21, 2025

5.0

Top rated specialist in field. Excellent communicator and treatment of patient.

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November 18, 2025

5.0

He is thorough and professional in all aspects. He is abreast of the newest research and innovations. He cares about his patients- I feel taken well care of.

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Very competent and from his educational credentials and position to his manner in greeting to the way he handled the procedure was professional and inspired confidence. What ever my situation I am confident he will make a correct diagnosis and save my life if that is possible. Which is of the utmost importance if you believe you might have aggressive incurable cancer.

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November 17, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer has unparalleled education, training, and experience in his chosen field. His ability to communicate my condition and how he will address it left me with a comforting sense of well being.

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November 11, 2025

5.0

This is one of the worlds premier practices and specialists.

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November 10, 2025

5.0

Leader in field

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November 08, 2025

5.0

He is one of the top UROLOGISTS in the country.

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November 07, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is outstanding. Smart and personable. I trust him implicitly.

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October 27, 2025

5.0

See above. I'd send family and friends to him without hesitation. It's no small thing putting one's life in the hands of another person. Doing so requires complete trust and confidence which I have.

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October 20, 2025

5.0

Fantastic doctor

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October 20, 2025

5.0

Expertise, experience, active listener, very present

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October 13, 2025

5.0

I've worked with many top urologists over the years, due to a family history of prostate cancer. In addition, I was there every step of the way watching my fraternal twin pass from this disease. Needless to say, I'm hyper vigilant about my care. Simply put, Dr. Schaeffer's substance, knowledge and experience are very comforting. Sachi is an integral part of the team. They take great care of me.

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October 10, 2025

5.0

The Doc was very professional and thorough and straightforward in our first consultation meeting.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

Experienced educator who is informative and provides a feeling of confidence in his consultation.

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October 07, 2025

5.0

Excellent doctor. Explained my whole procedure in detail.

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October 06, 2025

5.0

He is one of the best in the country at what he does and is personable. Need I say more?

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October 06, 2025

5.0

He is extremely professional, caring, and clear in explanation of process. My first time to meet him in person. He and his entire team are the best!

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October 06, 2025

5.0

All business. Efficient and knowledgeable.

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October 03, 2025

5.0

He explains everything very well. He is clear on what to expect but provide comfort that the outcome can be really good.

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September 30, 2025

5.0

Proficient surgeon. Transparent no nonsense medical care

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September 29, 2025

5.0

Dr Schaeffer responded to all of my questions with directness and clarity.

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September 29, 2025

5.0

Deep knowledge, extraordinary skills, and rock-steady professionalism. Dr. Schaeffer was all that and more. He had to wrangle my "first-time in urology" twitchy nervous energy, (I almost kicked him in the face while "saddling up" in the stirrups.), while also enduring throughout my flat-footed attempts at "coping" humor. I am SO GRATEFUL to be in his care, and that of his team. World-class in every respect.

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September 22, 2025

5.0

Very professional a great educator! Very experienced?

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September 16, 2025

5.0

Answer s all questions approach was professional

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September 13, 2025

5.0

After reading his book, Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer, and speaking with him in person, I have complete faith in his ability to treat my cancer. Dr. Schaeffer is a highly skilled doctor with no evidence of an ego.

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September 13, 2025

5.0

Excellent discussion of my diagnosis, options and recommendation

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September 12, 2025

5.0

Answered all my questions

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September 09, 2025

5.0

Family experience with him

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September 08, 2025

5.0

He has extremely high credentials and recommendations.

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September 02, 2025

5.0

Simply "The Best"

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September 02, 2025

5.0

Best Urologist in America

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August 25, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is absolutely DISTINCTIVE - extremely competent as a surgeon and doctor, superb bedside manners, supremely caring of me as a patient all through the journey. Undoubtedly among the world's preeminent in his field. Deservedly so.

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August 23, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer, is great!

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August 19, 2025

5.0

Because of my above answer

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August 18, 2025

5.0

Easy to understand, I his use of his patients statistics was helpful and impactfu

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August 15, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is the absolute best in his field. When I first went to him, I didn't give him such a great review and I wish I can go and take it back. My initial opinion of him because he's very straightforward and Direct I didn't feel cared for.. but I was wrong! Because he's one of the world's best and because he does a lot, there's no time for chitchat and handholding. He's a great guy and an absolute great doctor. Thank you for your care, Dr. Schaeffer.

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August 15, 2025

5.0

he is experienced

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August 11, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer was extremely knowledgeable and a great advisor

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August 08, 2025

5.0

He is the BEST

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August 04, 2025

5.0

There is a tremendous comfort zone with Dr, Schaeffer.

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August 04, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer met with me, examined me explained my options and answered my questions fully. He was even able to recommend another dr at NM who practices closer to my location.

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August 02, 2025

5.0

Expertise

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July 29, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is very personable and down to earth easy to talk to and answered all my questions. Dr. Schaeffer also seems to be very passionate about what he does and very concern about men's healthcare.

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July 29, 2025

5.0

I've only spoken to him via teleconference so far and my surgery is not till [specified date], but I have listened to his podcasts, read the chapter he authored in Dr. Walsh's book on prostate surgery. I have real confidence in his abilities to perform the robotic radical prostatectomy surgery which I will be having in October.

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July 28, 2025

5.0

Excellent Physician Polite & Professional in his interactions

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July 28, 2025

5.0

This is only my second visit with Dr. Schaeffer, and chose him for his impressive credentials

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July 27, 2025

5.0

Extremely knowledgeable

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July 23, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer was clear, thorough and precise. He anticipate and/or answered every question.

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July 22, 2025

5.0

This man is tops in his field.I am honored to be in his care.I trust him implicitly.

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July 19, 2025

5.0

As I said, Dr. Schaeffer was frank and to the point.

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July 14, 2025

5.0

Kind and thorough.

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July 14, 2025

5.0

I traveled from out of town to avail myself of Dr. Schaeffer's expertise. I found him to be impressively knowledgeable and an excellent communicator. I came away from the consultation feeling that I had a firm direction established for my care. I am glad that I was able to see him!

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July 06, 2025

5.0

Global expert dealing with prostate cancer

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July 01, 2025

5.0

Dr.Schaeffer is a world class PHD urologist whose expertise, innovation, and dedication have made a profound impact on the field of urology. Dr. Schaeffers contributions to urologic science (e.g., prostate cancers, minimally invasive surgery and his personal advanced practices and technique have been for me life saving and life changing. His ability to translate complex medical issues into practical translation that the patient can understand is truly exemplary. I'm for ever grateful for the doctor patient relationship pre and post care.

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June 30, 2025

5.0

This was my first time meeting with Dr. Schaeffer based on a referral by my urologist, Dr. [ ]. It has been a very important aspect of the treatment process to be able to obtain multiple options from multiply practitioners and various practices - all basically accessible in the immediate location/area as the NM campus.

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June 30, 2025

5.0

He's to the point and I appreciate that. I'm also a very analytical individual so can have a thoughtful discussion with him.

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June 23, 2025

5.0

He is the best of the best, I have 100% confidence with his help I will beat this!

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June 23, 2025

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer and his team were excellent and thorough. They answered my questions and treated me with the utmost respect. Dr. Schaeffer is extremely knowledgeable and that was reassuring. I felt I was in the best possible hands.

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June 23, 2025

5.0

The quality of care even my visit lasted 8 minutes for my biopsy

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June 23, 2025

5.0

Willing to explain the procedure!

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June 23, 2025

5.0

He seems to be an excellent physician.

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June 16, 2025

5.0

A highly esteemed and exceptionally skilled physician with expertise and understanding of his field.

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Consulting

Faculty member and/or their immediate family have engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • Atria Academy of Science & Medicine, Inc.
  • Perineologic
  • Pfizer, Inc.
  • PinnacleCare Health Advisors

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.

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