| Phone Number | Clinical Office Address |
|---|---|
| (801) 581-2396 | |
| (801) 213-4320 |
Specialties
Bio
David Gaffney, MD, PhD, is vice-chair, medical director, and professor of radiation oncology at the University of Utah School of Medicine and Huntsman Cancer Institute. His primary clinical interests are in the radiotherapeutic management of gynecological cancers, breast cancers, and lymphoma. His main research interests are in clinical trial development, prognostic markers, and secondary cancers.
Dr. Gaffney is interested in clinical trials that improve survival and quality of life for cancer patients. He serves as a co-Chair for the National Cancer Institute Gynecologic Cancer Steering Committee and previously was chair of the Gynecologic Working Group for the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG). The RTOG is a multi-institutional cooperative cancer research organization that conducts clinical trials. He is active in the Gynecologic Cancer Intergroup, a worldwide organization of clinical trial groups. Dr. Gaffney chairs the American College of Radiology Radiation Oncology Appropriateness Criteria Gynecologic panel and is an editor for the ACR Journal Advisor for gyncologic radiation oncology. Dr. Gaffney also chairs the Clinical Cancer Investigation Committee at the University of Utah and Huntsman Cancer Institute and serves as a Senior Editor for the International Journal of Gynecologic Cancer, Gynecologic Oncology, and the American Journal of Clinical Oncology.
In addition, Dr. Gaffney is interested in radiation sensitizers, which are drugs that make cancer cells more sensitive to the effects of radiation therapy. Dr. Gaffney enjoys working with medical students and residents on a wide variety of projects.
Dr. Gaffney received his PhD in biochemistry from the Medical College of Wisconsin in 1990 and his MD from the same institution in 1992. He completed an internship at LDS Hospital in Salt Lake City, Utah, and a residency in radiation oncology at the University of Utah School of Medicine.
Board Certification and Academic Information
| Academic Departments | Radiation Oncology - Professor |
| Board Certification | American Board of Radiology (Radiation Oncology) |
| Cancer Center Programs | Experimental Therapeutics |
Patient Ratings
The Patient Rating score is an average of all responses to care provider related questions on our nationally-recognized Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey.
Responses are measured on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the best score.
UofU Patient August 03, 2016
Dr. Gaffney is personable and friendly. I find him easy to talk to.
UofU Patient June 29, 2016Dr. Gaffney made every effort to reduce the number of times I would have to travel from Kemmerer WY (my home) to Utah. He was able to schedule a visit to Radiation Oncology for simulation on same day as my initial visit to see him. He also informed my of the Hope House.
UofU Patient June 27, 2016Dr. Gaffney and his assistant a nurse practioner were excellent.
UofU Patient May 24, 2016I was very impressed with the amount of time that both Andrew and Dr. Gaffney spent with me, the concern they showed about my condition, and their patience in explaining the course of treatment and the available options.
UofU Patient May 23, 2016I appreciated Dr. Gaffney's explanations and concern for my welfare. He seemed sympathetic to my desire to get treatment going as soon as my Oncotype DX test was back. His office moved my simulation up when my Onco test came back sooner that I was told it would.
UofU Patient March 01, 2016A very good experience with Dr Gaffney and team. He was very aware of my history.
UofU Patient February 23, 2016Dr. Gaffney is the best, he sincerely cares and wants the best for patients.
UofU Patient February 13, 2016Drs. Gaffney and Francis were easy to talk with, personable and kind. They responded quickly to questions and requests, like providing me with the op report from my surgery.
UofU Patient January 27, 2016Everyone I dealt with was helpful and explained every process they were going to do in depth which puts the patient at ease.
UofU Patient January 24, 2016Dr. Gaffney and his resident Sam were really great. They made this anxiety ridden appointment as painless as they could. I appreciated that they moved me from an examination room to a consultation room to discuss the next steps of treatment. It made it a little more like a conversation. Dr. Gaffney made sure to ask if I had any questions several times, and he helped to facilitate my getting an appointment with another doctor sooner since I wasn't getting anywhere on my own.
UofU Patient January 23, 2016Again a scary situation made a little less scary
UofU Patient January 17, 2016I loved the PA and the doctor. Both were very friendly and understanding and answered my questions. I look forward to speaking with them again in the future when the time comes to do radiation treatments. I have full confidence in them. Thank you
UofU Patient November 24, 2015I believe Dr. Gaffney and the other providers really care and understand how devastated a new patient can feel. The fact that they would start my treatment immediately and not make me wait exceeded all my expectations. The medical student, Mona, spoke up and gave me information that helped me so much.
UofU Patient October 17, 2015Dr. Gaffney is a treasure.
UofU Patient August 11, 2015I felt that Dr. Gaffney and his resident Dr. cared about my situation and felt they helped me make a decision that would be best for my health and well being.
UofU Patient August 07, 2015Every step was thoughtfully explained to me. However, I was not prepared for the emotional impact of having the mold made for me. The passivity of my position with the emotional drama of having my breast drawn on and tattooed was intense. I am not sure what could have been done to minimize it, but it was emotionally challanging
UofU Patient July 01, 2015Drs Gaffney and Orton were very helpful with questions and answers. I fill like I'm in good hands.
UofU Patient June 13, 2015Dr. Gaffney has always been informative and supportive. He obviously knows what he is doing and he explains things clearly and carefully.
UofU Patient May 27, 2015good
UofU Patient May 02, 2015After a horrible experience with another doctor that day, I wasn't sure what I would be walking into here. I was surprised to be called back before we even got the paperwork finished. nurse Ruth was amazing! I was in a lot of pain when we got here, my first pelvic exam from another dr was rough and painful. Dr Gaffney was very kind and seemed to truly care about my situation. His exam was gentle and brief. then we moved to another room and sat down to discuss everything with us. answered my questions well and seemed to make us believe he had all the time in the world for us when in reality he is a busy man. I felt very well taken care of with Dr Gaffney!
UofU Patient March 31, 2015Best place in the world if you have to have cancer
UofU Patient March 03, 2015Dr Gaffney was easy to understand as he explained things to me and answered my questions.
UofU Patient February 20, 2015Dr Gaffney is always nice, very intelligent man!
UofU Patient February 03, 2015Gassney and Rosenthal provided great care.
UofU Patient January 06, 2015good
UofU Patient December 06, 2014The hospital has the most caring and wonderful doctors.
UofU Patient October 11, 2014It was a good experience.
UofU Patient August 06, 2014everyone i worked with at the huntsman was amazing. They were even nice and treated my husband well too. i would recommend them for sure and i would love to go back there if i had the chance to. hopefully not as a patience thou. cuz cancer isn't really fun at all
UofU Patient July 18, 2014Dr Gaffney has a very good personality and I enjoy his pleasant attitude.
UofU Patient July 05, 2014Dr. Gaffney is always great,very knowledgeable and kind. The questions that the doctor that came in first asked gave me pause. He asked if I had my mammogram that day when I've had a double mastectomy. I wasn't reassured at all. Thank goodness Dr. Gaffney came in!
UofU Patient June 14, 2014Dr. Gaffney and Dr. Williams always seem genuinely interested and concerned, as well as very competent, and they make me feel like they have plenty of time to spend with me. I appreciate this very much.
UofU Patient May 31, 2014I needed an ultrasound of my breast in addition to my mammogram and I didn't have to wait long. The radiology fellow was very good, professional and kind. The radiologist was also very good, but waited until 10 minutes into our conversation to report to me that my mammogram looked clear and that they were looking for a benign papilloma in my milk ducts; that information would have been a great way to start our conversation.
UofU Patient May 15, 2014I have already recommended Dr. Gaffney to others.
UofU Patient March 28, 2014posed for photos with patient even!
UofU Patient February 14, 2014The best
UofU Patient January 31, 2014Good
UofU Patient January 25, 2014This was an annual checkup. No insight given for continuing pain at incision sites.
UofU Patient January 18, 2014definitely recommend this place
UofU Patient January 16, 2014I have always found Dr. Gaffney to be a very caring person about me personally. He puts me at ease and makes me feel like I am a person to him and not just a name on a chart.
UofU Patient September 30, 2013I love everyone who has ever seen me in my 3 1/2 years of going to the Huntsmans.
UofU Patient September 26, 2013I have felt very good about my experiences at the Huntsman and that I have received the best care and concern.
UofU Patient September 20, 2013Every person who has seen me at Huntsman Cancer Institute has been professional, forthcoming with information, kind as an angel and concerned about me individually. I've never experienced such loving care for anything in my life. If I could, I'd live in a back room at Huntsman and come out every morning to soak up the healing, positive energy I feel within the building itself and from the wonderful people and facilities. I have to go back to Arizona where I live but I am looking forward to my three month visits at Huntsman with Dr. Gaffney, Dr. Soisson and RN Colleen, and the rest of the dear staff. If I could only sit in the lobby and hear the pianist I feel I'd be well and wise in no time. Please thank him for his generosity of time and talent. I listen to him for as long as he plays everytime.
UofU Patient April 29, 2013In that my appt was changed at my request and squeezed into the morning schedule, I was amazed at the unhurried time I felt I had with the nurse, resident and doctor. Thank you.
UofU Patient April 29, 2013care provider staff was very professional.
UofU Patient April 25, 2013Dr. Gaffney is extremely easy to talk with and his positive attitude makes the entire process easy and comfortable.
UofU Patient April 08, 2013I liked the fact that Dr. Gaffney came in personally, and did the followup check. He was personable and informative, as he always is.
UofU Patient March 26, 2013Dr. Gaffney has always been very informative and clear on every step. I have full faith and confidence in his ability.
UofU Patient March 05, 2013Everyone was very nice and compassionate with my situation.
UofU Patient March 04, 2013I already have recommended Dr. Gaffney to another friend who has just been dx'd with breast cancer.
UofU Patient January 21, 2013Dr. Gaffney was awesome...my husband and I are not neophytes in regards to health care and my diagnosis. He treated us with respect and intelligence.
UofU Patient January 21, 2013Everyone was spookier friendly!
UofU Patient December 06, 2012Dr. Gaffney is a good listener and very nice! Very smart also. Dr. Wagner is also very good.
UofU Patient September 10, 2012Dr. Gaffney maintained eye contact for several seconds after the exam and before he left. I felt like a human being to him
Patient Comments
Patient comments are gathered from our Press Ganey Patient Satisfaction Survey and displayed in their entirety. Patients are de-identified for confidentiality and patient privacy.