Radiation Oncologist Eric Schaff, MD is pictured. Schaff is the newest addtion to the Upper Peninsula Health System — Marquette cancer center team. (Photo courtesy of UPHS-Marquette)

MARQUETTE,–UP Health System — Marquette has added Radiation Oncologist Eric Schaff, MD, to its 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.

Dr. Schaff completed his undergraduate work at Northern Michigan University and 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.

The release states that as an NMU alumnus, Dr. 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. “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.

As an affiliate of Duke Health in cancer, UPHS – Marquette Cancer Center providers have access to the latest Duke research and treatment guidelines, and our patients have access to an enhanced quality of cancer services,the release states.

“The addition of Dr. Schaff to our Cancer Center team reinforces our commitment to making communities healthier,” said Gar Atchison, market president, UPHS, and CEO, UPHS – Marquette. “We provide evidence-based, high-quality cancer care services right here in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. I’m incredibly proud of our organization.”

Outside of work, Dr. Schaff enjoys spending time with his wife, two dogs and cat, as well as backpacking, mountain biking and cooking. “I was lucky enough to marry a Marquette native who is also excited to return home,” he said.

Dr. Schaff joins fellow radiation oncologist James Baer, MD, and will closely work with UP Health System’s entire Cancer Center team, which includes hematologists/oncologists, dosimetrists, radiation therapists, oncology nurses and more, to provide care and determine treatment plans. The UPHS – Marquette Cancer Center is located at 850 W. Baraga Ave. To learn more visit www.uphealthsystem.com/cancer-care.