Edward M. Schaeffer, MD, PhD

4.9 
1361 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Urologic Oncology

Secondary Specialty

  • Minimally Invasive Urologic Surgery
  • Urology

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Practice Website

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 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 

1361 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

83 Reviews

Reviews from Patients

83 Reviews

April 27, 2024

5.0

Well respected and easy to talk to

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April 27, 2024

5.0

Very thorough second opinion.

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April 24, 2024

5.0

He explained everything in an easy to understand manner and answered all of my questions.

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April 22, 2024

5.0

Very professional

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April 22, 2024

5.0

Dr Schaeffer is clearly one of the leading doctors dealing with prostate issues. Very professional

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April 20, 2024

5.0

Smart man

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April 20, 2024

5.0

Confidence and trust in his judgements and recommendations.

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April 15, 2024

5.0

He is an expert at what he does.

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April 14, 2024

5.0

Very Knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable.

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April 14, 2024

5.0

He is extremely knowledgeable, experienced and confident.

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April 13, 2024

5.0

We just talk to the main issues or question ,after reading his book that is excellent.

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April 12, 2024

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer was incredibly helpful in helping me make a decision for how best to treat my prostate cancer, balancing the desire for a “cure” with the risks of incontinence and ED, based upon the specifics of my case. I can see why his reputation as a superb surgeon precedes him. Moreover, despite the fact that he is a surgeon, he had no hesitation in advising me that, for my specific case, radiation without ADT was the best option.

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April 05, 2024

5.0

Reputation, his book which explains everything, and expertise.

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April 01, 2024

5.0

Very approachable - concise & to the point Explains diagnosis & scheduled procedures clearly

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March 27, 2024

5.0

Appointment was easy to make, took place on time and my health issue was addressed and a plan of care was scheduled.

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March 22, 2024

5.0

His knowledge , surgical skill, time with parents, communication and manner are the highest Sochi is the best in every way

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March 22, 2024

5.0

Dr Schaeffer was extremely professional. He explained the procedure to me in detail and was very attentive.

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March 18, 2024

5.0

Very efficient and kept me informed throughout the procedure

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March 18, 2024

5.0

Professional - welcoming - explained procedure well - quick & efficient Felt comfortable with his handling of the Biopsy procedure

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March 15, 2024

5.0

Very knowledgeable and professional

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March 15, 2024

5.0

Ed is a straight shooter. Confident doctor.

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March 12, 2024

5.0

Expertise, communication and responsiveness to patient needs/concerns.

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March 12, 2024

5.0

Dr. Shaffer was very professional, patient, and extremely thorough! He did a phenomenal job of explaining my spouses current condition, the specific options for treatment, the benefits and risk, with each option and unbiased, not-self- serving but truthful in the information provided. He came highly highly recommended by our neighbor, and we likewise would highly recommend him or refer him to anyone!

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March 11, 2024

5.0

Expertise and communication

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March 11, 2024

5.0

very professional

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March 08, 2024

5.0

None better-

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March 08, 2024

5.0

Very helpful

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March 05, 2024

5.0

His knowledge and confidence are very reassuring!

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March 03, 2024

5.0

He was honest with me in what needs to be done. He is straightforward which is good. He's factual which is good as well. I am more of animated-style of a personality so I a bit of humor probably would have added to my comfort level but that's just me. I'm not looking for Bill Burr - I'm looking for a surgeon that will be the best in getting me healthy with the best long-term outcome. To boot - I don't process quickly with the cancer diagnosis so I probably missed some facial expressions he had which could have made me feel more at ease. He did offer to answer questions but just tough to pose them immediately since I am a "digest" information and then ask questions. To him I think it's a normal procedure so he didn't have signs of "holy crap, this is bad" cues. Long and short. I just want the best surgeon and he's probably it.

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March 03, 2024

5.0

He was recommended by three different people that have no connection and I took that as a sign from God that I should see Dr. Schaeffer. His expertise and reputation give me the confidence that i am putting myself in the best possible hands to have prostrate surgery.

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March 01, 2024

5.0

The Dr. is very thorough and explains the plan very well, conveying professionalism and confidence.

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March 01, 2024

5.0

He is really good at explaining things in a way that is very easy to understand. He is also exceptionally knowledgeable and competent.

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March 01, 2024

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer's exceptional expertise, compassionate care, and commitment to patient well-being undoubtedly contributed to the excellent score.

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February 29, 2024

5.0

He’s very knowledgeable, very detailed, listens and answers all your questions. Makes me feel very comfortable and I’m blessed to have him as my doctor.

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February 27, 2024

5.0

Have only met for a consult but he explained the surgery process and answered questions. His team has been great with communication and answering all questions.

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February 26, 2024

5.0

Expertise/personable with tremendous communication.

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February 26, 2024

5.0

Knowledgeable about my circumstances.

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February 23, 2024

5.0

Personable and explained everything in detail

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February 23, 2024

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer leads a team of medical professionals including Dr. [full name] with her unique [procedure] surgery that is a breakthrough medical procedure that saves lives!

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February 19, 2024

5.0

Very friendly doctor

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February 19, 2024

5.0

He was very professional during the procedure and explained everything he was doing.

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February 17, 2024

5.0

Top person in his field

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February 16, 2024

5.0

He had command of the room from the moment he came in. Very efficient, explained everything prior to the procedure.

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February 16, 2024

5.0

He's a professional and makes you feel like you are going to make it

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February 13, 2024

5.0

Very thorough. Take time to explain procedures.

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February 06, 2024

5.0

Dr Schaeffer has great reviews and I could see why after I met him. I felt he is extremely knowledgeable and explains everything well

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February 06, 2024

5.0

Because he’s passionate about his practice and compassionate about his patients.

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February 05, 2024

5.0

Compassionate, knowledgeable, clear, easy to talk to and just not only a great doctor but he is a great human being.

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February 05, 2024

5.0

Personable, articulate and informative in no hurry to send you on your way.

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February 02, 2024

5.0

He explained perfectly and to the point all I needed to know.

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January 30, 2024

5.0

Knowledgeable, careful, competent

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January 30, 2024

5.0

Efficient and professional

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January 29, 2024

5.0

Took the time to answer questions, share his expertise and engage with me as a human.

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January 27, 2024

5.0

I think he is a top ten, if not top five urologist for prostate cancer in the US

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January 27, 2024

5.0

Professional Knowledgeable and personable

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January 26, 2024

5.0

He really knows his stuff. I thought he handled today’s procedure professionally. He explained everything including the next steps.

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January 23, 2024

5.0

Explains well, personable

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January 19, 2024

5.0

We heard a lot about your institution and Dr. Schaeffer

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January 19, 2024

5.0

Knowledgeable professional prompt direct

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January 15, 2024

5.0

Really liked Dr. Schaeffer and have confidence in his advice.

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January 12, 2024

5.0

Very professional.

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January 12, 2024

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is one of the top prostate cancer doctors in the world, he is also kind, thoughtful about patient needs, very good at explaining care plans and has an outstanding team working with him.

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January 09, 2024

5.0

Very competent and professional

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January 09, 2024

5.0

Competency

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January 08, 2024

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer is knowledgeable, thorough and skilled. He also took the time to explain every part of the procedure in a manner easily understood by someone without a medical background.

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January 05, 2024

5.0

The best! Outstanding in every way

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December 25, 2023

5.0

So far I’m impressed with Dr Schaeffer

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December 22, 2023

5.0

Skilled, experienced, focused and clear communication

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December 22, 2023

5.0

Professional and caring

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December 19, 2023

5.0

Outstanding Physician

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December 18, 2023

5.0

Very professional talks you through the process

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December 14, 2023

5.0

He knows my history. Understands my situation and is proceeding slowly.

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December 11, 2023

5.0

Excellent doctor

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December 09, 2023

5.0

Successful cancer extraction and thorough follow up

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December 08, 2023

5.0

Great doctor

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November 28, 2023

5.0

He know his job well

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November 27, 2023

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer was extremely helpful in explaining my options .. felt very comfortable with him

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November 25, 2023

5.0

His knowledge and skill..experience

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November 20, 2023

5.0

Very personable and talked well about how to proceed......no room for any misunderstanding

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November 17, 2023

5.0

Took time to explain my cancer and treatment.

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November 14, 2023

5.0

Great and skilled physician

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November 13, 2023

5.0

I feel like He’s a good quarterback. He’ll get the job done with the least risk and best outcome

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November 13, 2023

5.0

Great knowledge, experience and bed side manner. Researcher and surgeon. Literally wrote the book on Prostate cancer. Tremendously grateful for his care.

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November 11, 2023

5.0

They attended to my health needs to the fullest.

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November 07, 2023

5.0

He is the very best in the country.

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November 07, 2023

5.0

Very excellent physician Great explanation of process and steps

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November 06, 2023

5.0

He is very knowledgeable in his field

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November 06, 2023

5.0

Took the time to answer all my questions. Very direct in a professional way.

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November 03, 2023

5.0

Expert in his field and also personable

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November 03, 2023

5.0

He is excellent

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November 03, 2023

5.0

Great bedside manner. Pain free surgery.

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October 30, 2023

5.0

Also competent professional on time

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October 30, 2023

5.0

He is an expert in the field,is caring, and communicates very well.

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October 27, 2023

5.0

Very knowledgeable and trained by the guru of prostate cancer, Dr Patrick Walsh

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October 27, 2023

5.0

Great service and very knowledgeable

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October 27, 2023

5.0

Reputation. Compassion.

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October 27, 2023

5.0

He's the best

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October 23, 2023

5.0

Reputation. Great bedside manner. Talked through each step of the procedure as he performed the biopsy.

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October 23, 2023

5.0

Clear explanation of why we her, what would take place and what to expect.

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October 22, 2023

5.0

Dr. Schaeffer and team were smart and super compassionate . Would recommend Dr.Schaeffer to any one in need of extraordinary care

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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.