Stephanie K. Schaub, MD

Physician
Fred Hutch
Assistant Professor, Department of Radiation Oncology
University of Washington School of Medicine
Specialty:
Radiation Oncology
“We work together to ensure that you feel supported throughout every step of the journey, even into survivorship. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient years later, thriving and living their best life.”
— Dr. Schaub
Why do you choose to work at Fred Hutch?

My philosophy for choosing an institution was to find a place that I would overwhelmingly recommend for any of my family members or loved ones. The patient-centered, humble, innovative, scientific culture at UW Medicine and Fred Hutch defines what it’s like to receive care here. Cancer treatment is truly a team sport, and I’m able to collaborate with experts across many disciplines, often during individual patient visits. We work together to ensure that you feel supported throughout every step of the journey, even into survivorship. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a patient years later, thriving and living their best life.

What’s it like to work with you?

Cancer treatment is often not black and white; there can be many different pathways. It is my privilege to work with you and your loved ones to find the path that best aligns with your values, goals, current challenges and worries about the future. I always strive to explain the reasoning behind my recommendations, why I think a certain type of radiation may be optimal for you or why there is no clear role for radiation at this time. I believe in forming the kind of patient-physician alliance where we’re on a first-name basis and you feel comfortable asking any question.

Provider background

Specialty: Radiation Oncology

Area of clinical practice

Sarcomas, pediatrics, spine tumors

Sarcomas, pediatric cancers

I am a radiation oncologist who specializes in treating patients with pediatric cancers and sarcomas, a rare cancer that forms in bones and connective tissue. I serve as a bridge between the pediatric and adult sarcoma worlds, aiming to push the frontiers forward in both settings. My expertise spans several radiation modalities, including proton therapy, intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) — which is performed in conjunction with surgery — and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT). 

My research interests involve discovering non-invasive biomarkers — for example, through imaging or blood samples — that can predict cancer outcomes or treatment-related toxicity. My goal is to improve our ability to personalize treatment so that we can achieve a cure, or improve your quality of life, while decreasing toxic side effects. I also study how functional imaging, which is used to study the inner workings of an organ, can help with radiation planning. Another area of interest is conducting clinical trials for patients with sarcoma or pediatric cancers.

Imaging In medicine, a process that makes pictures of areas inside the body. Imaging uses methods such as X-rays (high-energy radiation), ultrasound (high-energy sound waves) and radio waves. Oncologist A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment, such as treating cancer with radiation. A physician who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer. Some oncologists specialize in a particular type of cancer treatment. For example, a radiation oncologist specializes in treating cancer with radiation. Radiation therapy The use of high-energy radiation from X-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy), or it may come from radioactive material placed in the body near cancer cells (internal radiation therapy or brachytherapy). Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that travels in the blood to tissues throughout the body. Side effects A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some side effects of cancer treatment are nausea, vomiting, fatigue, pain, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss and mouth sores.

Diseases treated

Education, experience and certifications
Undergraduate Degree
University of California, Davis
Medical Degree
Florida Atlantic University Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine
Residency
University of Washington School of Medicine, Radiation Oncology
Board Certification
Radiation Oncology, 2020, American Board of Radiology
Other
Internship, Harvard’s Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Languages
English
Awards
Greenwald Award for Academic Excellence

Dr. Schaub received this award in 2015 for being the member of the graduating class at Florida Atlantic University College of Medicine with the highest overall academic standing.

Stories

Jim survived Sarcoma thanks to his granddaughter and proton therapy
Jim survived Sarcoma thanks to his granddaughter and proton therapy

When Jim Copen went to pick up his 6-year old granddaughter, she pointed out something unusual about him that she hadn’t noticed before.

Research

Clinical trials

We make promising new treatments available to you through studies called clinical trials led by Fred Hutch doctors. Many of these trials at Fred Hutch have led to FDA-approved treatments and have improved standards of care globally. Together, you and your doctor can decide if a study is right for you.

Publications

Many of our Fred Hutch doctors conduct ongoing research to improve standards of patient care. Their work is evaluated by other doctors and selected for publication to the United States National Library of Medicine, the largest medical library in the world. See scientific papers this Fred Hutch provider has written.

Your care team

At Fred Hutch, you receive care from a team of providers with extensive experience in your disease. Your team includes doctors, a patient care coordinator, a registered nurse, an advanced practice provider and others, based on your needs. You also have access to experts like nutritionists, social workers, acupuncturists, psychiatrists and more who specialize in supporting people with cancer or blood disorders.
Registered nurse (RN)
Registered nurse (RN)
Your nurse manages your care alongside your doctor and assists with care procedures and treatments.
Patient care coordinator
Patient care coordinator
Your patient care coordinator works closely with you and your doctor and serves as your scheduler.

Insurance

Fred Hutch accepts most national private health insurance plans as well as Medicare. We also accept Medicaid for people from Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho. We are working to ensure that everyone, no matter what their financial situation, has access to the care they need.