Mon, Apr 27, 2026 at 12:00 AM

New surgeon urges seniors to be diligent with cancer screenings

When Dr. Alissa Schuh came to Alabama to attend medical school at UAB, she planned to return to her native Wisconsin to set up a family practice. Her plans changed after she completed her residency in Huntsville. She fell in love with the area and with surgery. Now she is deeply planted in Marshall County as head of Marshall Medical Centers Surgery Clinic.

“As a general surgeon, I do a little bit of everything,”

Dr. Schuh took the opportunity at a recent GoldCare 55+ lunch N’ learn to explain to seniors about the importance of regular screenings, including for colon, lung, breast, cervical, colorectal, prostate and esophageal cancers.

“Finding cancer earlier is always better,” she said.

Dr. Schuh moved into Dr. Downes’ office in the Medical Plaza building next door to Marshall North after he retired. She performs general surgery at both Marshall North and South as well as robotic surgeries and some pediatric procedures.

She took a detour before starting practice and spent a year in Kenya providing medical care to impoverished villages. She plans to return every year. Closer to home, she is offering colon screenings to underserved populations in Marshall County.

GoldCare55+ is a program offered to seniors looking for a healthy, active lifestyle. For more information on the program, visit mmcenters.com/services/goldcare.