Faculty Profile

David Schottenfeld

David Schottenfeld, MD, MS

  • John G. Searle Professor Emeritus, Epidemiology
  • Professor Emeritus, Internal Medicine
  • Director 1988-2004, University of Michigan Graduate Summer Session in Epidemiology

    After completing professional training in internal medicine, medical oncology, epidemiology and preventive medicine, Dr. David Schottenfeld pursued an academic career in cancer epidemiology and preventive oncology. During the period 1963-1986, Dr. Schottenfeld directed research and training programs in cancer epidemiology, and cancer prevention and control, at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center and Cornell University Medical College. In 1980, he received an Academic Career Award in Preventive Oncology from the National Cancer Institute (1980-1985). In 1975, he provided leadership in the founding of the American Society of Preventive Oncology, serving initially as Secretary-Treasurer and then as President. The Society presented to Dr. Schottenfeld in 1992, the Distinguished Achievement Award. In 1987, Dr. Schottenfeld was elected Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science "in recognition of pioneering studies of the environmental causes of cancer". Dr. Schottenfeld has been designated as a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, American College of Preventive Medicine and American College of Epidemiology.

    In 1986, Dr. Schottenfeld was appointed Chair of the Department of Epidemiology and John G. Searle Professor of Epidemiology at the University of Michigan School of Public Health. In addition he was appointed as Associate Director in Cancer Epidemiology, Causation and Prevention for the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center. In 1987, Dr. Schottenfeld became the Director of the University of Michigan Summer Session in Epidemiology, which previously had been administered at the University of Minnesota. This prestigious graduate training program continues to be offered at the University Michigan. In 2009, the Department of Epidemiology instituted an annual lecture honoring Dr. Schottenfeld, and established an endowed student scholarship fund in his name. In May, 2012 Dr. Schottenfeld was honored to receive the Visiting Scholar Award by the Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics of the National Cancer Institute.

    In 1998, Dr. Schottenfeld was elected President of the Society for Epidemiologic Research, and in 2002 received the Abraham M. Lilienfeld Award from the American College of Epidemiology for "outstanding achievement in research, teaching and national leadership in epidemiology". Dr. Schottenfeld received the John Snow Award from the Epidemiology Section of the American Public Health Association in November,2007. The award recognizes "excellence in epidemiologic research and contributions of enduring value to the improvement of human health or substantial reduction in the burden of disease." In September 2010, Dr. Schottenfeld was selected to receive the Harvard University School of Public Health Alumni Award of Merit. The award is the highest honor the School bestows on its alumni in recognition of outstanding contributions to the field of public health. In April, 2011, Dr. Schottenfeld was elected by the American College of Physicians to receive the James D. Bruce Memorial Award, for distinguished contributions in Preventive Medicine.

    • MSc, Epidemiology, Harvard University School of Public Health, 1963
    • MD, Cornell University Medical College, 1956
    • AB, Biology (pre-medical) and English, Hamilton College, 1952

    Multiple primary cancers, of breast, endometrial, prostate, testicular, colorectal, and lung cancers, and of the significance of chronic inflammation in epidemiology, pathogenesis and prevention of gastrointestinal and lung cancers

    Areas of Expertise: Cancer