Dr. Eric Schaff, a radiation oncologist and 2013 NMU biology/physiology alumnus, has joined U.P. Health System-Marquette's Cancer Center team. According to a UPHS press release, Schaff specializes in the treatment of adult cancers, offering advanced personalized radiation options for Upper Peninsula residents close to home.
After completing his undergraduate degree at NMU, Schaff went on to earn his doctorate in medicine from the Michigan State University College of Human Medicine in East Lansing. Following medical school, Schaff completed the radiation oncology residency program at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, where he spent time as chief resident and as a member of the radiation safety committee.
As an NMU alumnus, Schaff is happy to be back and practicing in the Marquette area.
“When I was a medical student, I spent time training in the UPHS–Marquette Cancer Center as part of the rural physician program through MSU and am grateful to be back practicing here full time,” Schaff said in the release. “I'm privileged to be able to help people during a very difficult time in their life, whether that be through treating disease or reducing pain.”
Radiation oncology is a major part of the multidisciplinary approach to cancer treatment. The therapy uses various forms of radiation to treat cancer and other diseases as safely and effectively as possible.
It works by damaging the genetic material within cancer cells, after which, the cancer cells are not able to grow and spread and the body naturally removes them. Each treatment is unique to the individual and uses advanced, precise technology to target tumors with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue.