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Rush Employed ProviderRush Employed Provider

Kerstin Stenson, MD

5
RUSH University Medical Group
Clinical Area:
Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (ENT)
Specialty: Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery
Languages:
English

About Me

The whole goal is not just survival, but function and survival, and we prioritize both of those equally in a patient who has newly diagnosed head and neck cancer.

Kerstin M. Stenson, MD, FACS, is a head and neck oncologic and reconstructive surgeon. She serves as the Vice Chair of the Department of Otorhinolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at RUSH University Medical Center and is a Professor in RUSH Medical College. She also serves as Chief of the Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology and is the Director of the Head and Neck Cancer Program at RUSH. Dr. Stenson is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and is a fellow of the American Head and Neck Society (AHNS) and American College of Surgeons. She completed her residency at University of Illinois and her fellowship in Head and Neck oncologic and microvascular surgery at the University of Michigan. She began her career at University of Chicago in 1994 where she was the director of the Head Cancer Program and was recruited to RUSH in 2014. Dr. Stenson has co-authored more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, abstracts, invited reviews and book chapters, and has delivered more than 75 lectures nationally. She was appointed to the Head and Neck journal editorial board in 2011 and serves as a reviewer for multiple scientific journals. She has several academic distinctions including Recipient of Women’s Bar Association of Illinois (WBAI) “Woman with Vision Award”, Past President of Chicago Laryngology and Otology Society (CL&O), American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery Honor Award, University of Chicago Medicine Distinguished Clinician Award and recognized by Chicago Magazine in “Top Cancer Doctors” from 2015-2020. Dr. Stenson’s philosophy to the care of head and neck cancer patients is three-fold: a team approach to cancer treatment provides the most exceptional care; every patient is unique and should never feel like a number; and there is always something a doctor can do to help a patient. Her special clinical interests include management of head and neck benign and malignant tumors, thyroid and skin cancer, complications from chemoradiation, recurrent tumors and complex head and neck wounds.

Videos

Locations & Appointments

Primary location
RUSH Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery - Rubschlager Building
RUSH Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery - Rubschlager Building
1520 W Harrison St
Joan and Paul Rubschlager Building
6th floor
Chicago, IL, 60607

(312) 942-6100
Directions
RUSH Oak Brook
RUSH Oak Brook
2011 York Rd
Oak Brook, IL, 60523

(630) 724-1300
(312) 942-3012
Directions

Credentials

Certifications

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

Education and Training

University of Illinois Medical Center, Chicago - Otolaryngology
University of Michigan Hospitals - Otolaryngology
Chicago Medical School

Clinical Expertise

Goiter
Head and neck reconstruction
Head and neck surgery
Head and neck trauma
Head and neck tumors
Hyperparathyroidism
Laryngeal surgery
Laser surgery, head and neck
Melanoma
Oral cancer
Paraganglioma
Parathyroid disease
Parathyroid surgery
Throat cancer
Thyroid cancer
Thyroid surgery
Tracheal surgery
Vocal cord injections
Zenker's diverticulectomy

Academics & Publications

In addition to providing patient care, many of our clinicians have faculty appointments at RUSH University and perform clinical, basic science and community-based research. Our education and research endeavors are dedicated to enhancing excellence in patient care — now and in the future.

Insurance

Aetna
Aetna Medicare Advantage HMO & PPO
Aetna PPO Exchange
Affiliated Physician Group
Ambetter of Illinois
Beech Street
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage HMO
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage PPO
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois PPO
Blue Cross Community Medicaid (FHP & ICP)
Chicago Health System(MacNeal Health Provider) Com
Chicago Health System(MacNeal Health Provider) Gov
Cigna
Cigna Medicare Advantage
Community Healthcare Partners, LLC
CorVel
CountyCare
Coventry
Devoted Health
Dolton Medical Clinic
Dreyer Medical Clinic
Dupage Medical Group
ElmCare, LLC
Essential Health Partners
Fox Valley Medicine, Ltd.
Great-West Healthcare
Health Care's Finest Network (HFN)
Hinsdale Physician Group
Humana
Humana Medicare Advantage
Humana Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative
IlliniCare YouthCare
Ingalls Provider Group
Little Company of Mary Health Providers
Meridian Complete (MMAI)
Meridian Health Plan
Molina Dual Options
Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc Marketplace
MultiPlan
NorthShore Physician Associates, Inc
Northwest Community Health Partners
Northwest Suburban IPA
Physician Care Network
Preferred Plan (Healthsmart)
Progress Health
Pronger-Smith Medical Care
Silver Cross Managed Care Organization
Specialty Physicians of Illinois
Swedish Covenant Physician Partners
USA Managed Care Organization
Union Health Services
United Healthcare
United Healthcare Medicare Advantage
University of Chicago Health Plans (Inactive)
University of Illinois at Chicago
WellCare Medicare Advantage
Zing Health

Accepted insurance plans are subject to change without notice. Please contact your insurance company to verify that the location or provider you plan to visit is included in your network before your visit. If you schedule an appointment and your provider is not in network with your insurance, your out of pocket liability may be higher than expected.

Ratings and Reviews

Overall
5
Care provider's discussion of any proposed treatment (risks, benefits, etc.)
4.9
Care provider's efforts to include you in decisions about your care
5
Concern the care provider showed for your questions or worries
5
Explanations the care provider gave you about your problem or condition
5
Likelihood of your recommending this care provider to others
4.9
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2024
Dr. Stenson is patient and thorough during the exam.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Feb 2024
All the staff from valet parking all the way up to Dr. Stenson courteous, polite and extremely just nice
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Feb 2024
Dr. Stenson's is exceptional I am so grateful to have her. Taking her time, explaining, reassuring, kind.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Feb 2024
Dr. Stenson is the e best doctor I've ever had (out of many good ones). She really listens, makes sure my questions are answered, is very patient and compassionate, and has so much skill, knowledge, and experience to determine the best course of action. I feel very privileged to have her treating me.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jan 2024
Dr. Stenson was very thorough and explained every detail so I could understand.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jan 2024
Dr Stenson is always very friendly and very professional.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jan 2024
We love Dr. Stenson. She is the best!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Dec 2023
I feel and know that I'm in the best care that's available.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Dr. Stenson provided excellent care. She was kind, compassionate and extremely thorough in explaining my condition.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Good
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
I'm sure you know how kind and caring dr Stenson is. Even the woman at the welcome desk in the lobby told me how lucky I was to be seeing her
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Dr. Stenson was my point of contact and she is excellent!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Dr Stenson is exceptional!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Nov 2023
Stenson a bright light to profession
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
Dr. Stenson is ultimate considerate professional physician.our family thinks of her as an angel.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
The best!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
The best I ever had
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
We have a great relationship with Dr. Stenson and trust her judgement. She is very friendly and courteous as well.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Oct 2023
Dr Stenson was excellent
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Sep 2023
Md Stenson,K and her team did a great job on my first visit at Rush
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
I was very satisfied with the service I received .
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr. Stenson immediately put me at ease and I would describe her as the best doctor I've ever encountered. She is outstanding in her field and so very kind.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr Stenson was great. Highly recommend
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Aug 2023
Dr.Stenson is the best!!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jul 2023
Dr stenson is one of the most knowledgeable and Capable doctors I have known
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jul 2023
Dr. Stenson is an Excellent Physician I am so grateful to have her. Her kind, gentle, reassuring words and gestures are such a calming gift.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jun 2023
Dr. Stenson was outstanding!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jun 2023
Everyone in our world has heard us sing loud praises for the excellent care we have received at RUSH.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Jun 2023
Kirsten Stenson is beyond stellar in every way and I have-and will-recommend her to others!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - May 2023
The doctor actually took time and explain to me what was going on and showed me my video of my laryngoscopy. Everything went great.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - May 2023
Compassionate.Never made me feel hurried or burdensome.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr Stenson is always a good listener and is very compassionate
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr. Stenson is exactly as described the perfect physician attentive, reassuring, well versed and knowledgeable in her description of the Dx and her Plan of Care going forward! The Best of the Best! I am very grateful.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
She is one of the most kind and caring doctor we know.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
This was my first visit. It was comforting to be examined by a physician of her caliber. My confidence and trust in her judgment is established. Am very thankful.
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Apr 2023
Dr. Stenson is an exceptional surgeon, and at the same time has compassion for those she treats. A remarkable individual, highest praise all around to her and her staff!
5
A Patient at RUSH University Medical Center - Mar 2023
Dr. Stenson is an Angel