Schaeffer, David
MD, FRCPC
Academic Rank(s): Associate Professor, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, UBC | Co-director of Pancreas Centre BC and holds the Pancreatic Cancer Research Chair at Vancouver General Hospital.
Affiliation(s): VGH/VCHRI
Research and Scholarly Interests: Pancreatic and Colorectal Cancer. GI Pathology. NGS (Next-Generation Sequencing) and IHC (Immunohistochemistry)
Clinical Interests: diseases of the pancreas and colon, particularly pancreatic and colorectal cancer
Dr. David Schaeffer is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and serves as the Head of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at Vancouver General Hospital. He specializes in gastrointestinal pathology with a focus on pancreatic and colorectal cancers. Dr. Schaeffer completed his medical degree at the Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Germany, followed by a residency in Anatomical Pathology in Vancouver and a gastrointestinal pathology fellowship at Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto. He is also the co-director of Pancreas Centre BC and holds the Pancreatic Cancer Research Chair at Vancouver General Hospital, actively engaged in translational research to improve diagnostics and treatments for pancreatic and colorectal cancer.
Academic Background
- University of Toronto, Clinical Fellow. 2011-2012
- The University of British Columbia, Anatomical Pathology – Resident. 2006-2011
- The University of British Columbia, Postdoctoral Fellow. 2004-2006
Awards and Recognition
Publications
Research Interest
Dr. David Schaeffer’s research primarily focuses on translational studies in pancreatic and colorectal cancers. His work involves applying advanced pathological techniques to improve the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of these diseases. Dr. Schaeffer is particularly interested in the molecular mechanisms that underpin cancer development and progression, aiming to translate these findings into practical diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. As the co-director of Pancreas Centre BC and the Pancreatic Cancer Research Chair at Vancouver General Hospital, he collaborates closely with other researchers and clinicians to bridge the gap between laboratory findings and clinical application, enhancing patient care and treatment outcomes
Current Projects In My Lab Include
Teaching Interest
As discipline lead for gastrointestinal pathology at Vancouver General Hospital, Dr. Schaeffer is actively involved in training programs for both medical students and residents.