Daren Kest, D.O., FAOCO
ABOUT
Daren Kest, D.O., FAOCO is a board-certified Otolaryngologist and Facial Plastic Surgeon with over 24 years of clinical experience. He specializes in comprehensive medical and surgical care of the ears, nose, and throat, with a focus on head and neck cancer, thyroid and parathyroid surgery, pediatric ENT, craniofacial trauma, and obstructive sleep apnea. He currently serves as Associate Professor of Surgery at Creighton University School of Medicine in Phoenix, Arizona, where he is actively involved in teaching and resident education.
Dr. Kest earned his medical degree from Michigan State University College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency in general surgery and otolaryngology at POH Medical Center. He completed a two-year fellowship in head and neck oncologic surgery and microvascular reconstruction at Indiana University, where he also served as a clinical instructor. His previous clinical appointments include leadership roles with District Medical Group in Phoenix, Northwest ENT in St. Louis, Purchase ENT in Kentucky, and Head & Neck Surgery Associates in Indianapolis.
He has presented nationally on topics including obstructive sleep apnea surgery, thyroid and parathyroid disease, head and neck trauma, and airway reconstruction. He remains actively engaged in medical education through lectures at Creighton University and continuing education courses at institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, UCSF, and Washington University. His research has been published in peer-reviewed journals, and he maintains affiliations with the American Academy of Otolaryngology, the American Osteopathic Association, and the American College of Osteopathic Surgeons. He is fluent in surgical innovation and committed to patient-centered care.
