Robert C. Kern, MD

4.7 
458 ratings  Read Reviews
Northwestern Medicine logoNorthwestern Medical Group

Primary Specialty

Otolaryngology

Secondary Specialty

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Insurance

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Practice Focus Areas

Education

Medical Education:
MD, Thomas Jefferson University Sidney Kimmel Medical College - 1985
Residency:
Wayne State University School of Medicine - 1990

Board Certifications

  • American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery - Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Certified)

Faculty Profile

Professor, Feinberg School of Medicine

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Practice Groups and Affiliations

Medical Group:
Northwestern Medical Group
Alignment Category:
Northwestern Medicine Physician Network
On Medical Staff At:
Northwestern Memorial Hospital

Ratings and Reviews

At Northwestern Medicine, our patient’s feedback is important to us. While different care providers have their own unique strengths, we strive to be as transparent as possible with our quality of care.

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Overall Rating

4.7
4.7 

458 Ratings

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

Reviews from Patients

100 Most Recent Reviews

August 26, 2022

5.0

Did a great job and answered all of concerns

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August 24, 2022

5.0

Very smart

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August 24, 2022

5.0

Good bedside manner - took time to explain things to me which I appreciated

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August 23, 2022

5.0

Quick follow up visits.A conversation on instructions for post op care is needed.

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August 08, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and listens to concerns.

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August 05, 2022

4.0

Strong reputation.

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August 05, 2022

5.0

Excellent warm and friendly doctor to patient contact with a wonderful handshake .

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August 03, 2022

5.0

Very thorough and really trust what he says

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August 01, 2022

5.0

friendly with kind of a 'laid back', i.e., calm and friendly approach.

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July 20, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and patient

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July 20, 2022

5.0

Communication and and attitude and preparation

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July 13, 2022

5.0

He took his time and explained things to me.

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June 28, 2022

5.0

He is great; reminds me of the “Nutty Professor “ which much kindness and sweetness. Like him so much, quiet but so competent. He cares and you can feel that

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June 21, 2022

4.0

This was a first and very short visit. He didn’t need to do much for me but i trusted his opinion.

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June 17, 2022

5.0

Excellent doctor

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June 13, 2022

5.0

He was kind. He explained things clearly. He inspired confidence.

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June 08, 2022

5.0

Great

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June 05, 2022

5.0

Very personable and knowledgeable. Actually listens to patients.

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June 02, 2022

5.0

Experience and professional

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June 01, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern is very professional, extremely knowledgeable, is always looking for ways to improve my chronic sinus concerns and on time.

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May 29, 2022

3.0

He mistook me for another patient.

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May 27, 2022

1.0

Seeing Dr Kern was useful for getting a CT scan. In terms of patient care, he provided little to none. I did not feel listened to, supported, or reassured. After disclosing the unexpected results of my CT, he gave me a flood of referrals in the hallway and left before I could ask any further questions.

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May 26, 2022

5.0

Very professional

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May 23, 2022

5.0

Very approachable and knowledgeable. Put patient centered care at the forefront.

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May 23, 2022

5.0

So far so good.

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May 17, 2022

5.0

Fantastic doc and surgeon

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May 16, 2022

5.0

Nice and very caring. Always trying to making sure everything is going well.

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May 13, 2022

5.0

Took time to evaluate my needs and looked for a solution

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May 12, 2022

5.0

Dr Kern is a respectful and thorough surgeon

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May 11, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern is knowledgeable and wonderful with patients. There’s no question he is a talented surgeon.

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May 11, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern is a talented and knowledgeable surgeon whose comfortable manner puts you at ease. He answers all your questions with patience and great information.

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May 11, 2022

5.0

Because of the magnitude of my surgery.

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May 10, 2022

5.0

He was straightforward and experienced

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May 09, 2022

5.0

He is a great Physician and definitely cares for his patients.

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May 09, 2022

5.0

1. He is an expert in his field.2. Dr. Kern has an excellent “bedside manner”.3. He is very thoughtful and is not “reflexive” in his approach.

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May 06, 2022

5.0

Dr Kern knows his patients and how you react to everything based upon your history

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April 26, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable, professional and made sure I was completely comfortable and that I understood everything about my procedure

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April 25, 2022

5.0

Professionalism and care of patient. Answers my questions.

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April 20, 2022

5.0

Fast and answers all questions.

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April 15, 2022

2.0

The PA who met with me was great and listened to me, but my time with Dr. Kern felt rushed. He also told me he was taking me to get some X-rays, but it wasn't until after he had taken the images and showed them to me that I realized it was actually a CT scan. I feel like that should be made explicit to a patient before they agree to a scan. In the end he did give me a clear diagnosis and treatment plan.

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April 11, 2022

5.0

Treats patients with respect. Always on time.

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April 11, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern is very through and takes time to explain everything to you.

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April 11, 2022

5.0

He listened.

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April 08, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and approachable.

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April 08, 2022

5.0

Excellent diagnostician, great “bedside manner”, listens…..

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April 08, 2022

5.0

Personable and responsive to my questions and concerns. I like Dr. KERN. Professional and kind with his time and knowledge.

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April 07, 2022

5.0

Very kind. Felt secure under his care.

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April 07, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern was very professional, detailed, and was able to fix a sinus issue I had for 2 years no other surgeons could fix.

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April 05, 2022

1.0

No conversation about what brought me in. Kern made diagnosis based on symptoms that I had written on handout given to me by his personnel and read by him before entering the room.While he may have diagnosed me correctly, I was unable to understand the underlying causes of the symptoms and was not given an opportunity to ask. As I absorbed the diagnosis and the medicines he was subscribing, he left the room, and left me with several unanswered questions

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April 05, 2022

5.0

Very likable

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March 30, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and made me feel comfortable.

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March 23, 2022

5.0

Knowledgeable about subject. Friendly. Took some time to discuss and explain. Didn't wait long to see him. Gets a 100%.

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March 20, 2022

5.0

He was so kind and kept it very real!

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March 18, 2022

5.0

Takes time with me as a patient and is thorough

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March 16, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable and efficient

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March 16, 2022

5.0

Knows my problem, explained what corrective action to be taken.

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March 15, 2022

5.0

Great patient experience

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March 14, 2022

3.0

He is super smart and gave me the info I needed, but he was going way too fast and didn’t ask if I had any questions or provide detailed information on how to proceed next.

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March 11, 2022

5.0

Listen to my concerns and provided me with a good feedback

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March 08, 2022

5.0

The overall visit is pleasant and professional.

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March 04, 2022

5.0

He was punctual, professional, and extremely committed to making sure I received the best care possible.

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March 04, 2022

5.0

he was very transparent about what services I need at this time

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March 02, 2022

5.0

He is horough, listens, has a plan, adjusts the plan accordingly, listens, answers questions and cares

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February 28, 2022

5.0

He diagnosed my problem and explained how to control it. He was extremely helpful.

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February 25, 2022

5.0

He was very personable.

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February 25, 2022

5.0

suggested a plan of care not considered by other docs. Good explanations and gave sample med before prescribing. Wants to follow up. Good sense of humor always helps. I noticed he reviewed My Chart notes from prev docs and was prepared re my concerns and previous treatments.

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February 23, 2022

5.0

My surgery went well, Dr is highly skilled and experienced.

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February 21, 2022

5.0

Extremely professional, kind, understanding, attentive and all around great medical treatment.

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February 21, 2022

5.0

I have been a patient of Dr Kern’s for over 20 years. He’s short and to the point, yet very caring.

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February 18, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern was wonderful. Kind, caring and used simple to understand terminology. Im so glad I saw him, highly recommend!

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February 18, 2022

5.0

He is an expert

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February 17, 2022

5.0

Really professional

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February 15, 2022

5.0

Thorough

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February 11, 2022

5.0

Consumate pro!, Efficient, efffective and easy to work with from diagnosis through discussion of options and what ultimately was a successful surgery. 👊💪👍👍So good I will likely never come back.

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February 08, 2022

5.0

Very special

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February 06, 2022

5.0

Dr Kern is confident and assures the patients, he instills confidence and encourages patients not to worry about surgery.

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February 04, 2022

5.0

Problem solver

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February 02, 2022

5.0

I think he listens and seems very knowledgeable and empathetic and wants to find a solution

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February 02, 2022

5.0

Dr Kern is very knowledgeable and professional. He answers all questions and makes one feel well taken care of.

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February 01, 2022

4.0

He over saw the doctor well and was gentle about the fact that I don't like the scope going into my nose.

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January 30, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern listened to my issues and explained available treatment clearly.

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January 28, 2022

5.0

Spent the time needed/knowledgeable

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January 28, 2022

5.0

excellent dr

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January 28, 2022

5.0

Professional, top in his field, kind

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January 18, 2022

5.0

Very knowledgeable..very pleasant..

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January 18, 2022

5.0

He put me at ease with his explanations and answers to all my questions

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January 07, 2022

5.0

He is very good.

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January 03, 2022

5.0

Dr. Kern is extremely knowledgeable understanding and concerned with my health and Well-being. Complete professional

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December 17, 2021

5.0

He is top notch. I have had complicated sinus conditions, bordering on legendary. Doctor Kern’s advice is straightforward, creative and effective.

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December 15, 2021

4.0

He’s very good, but maybe a little gruff.

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December 14, 2021

5.0

Very kind.

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December 13, 2021

5.0

Expertise

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December 10, 2021

5.0

Past experience, which is substantial (two surgeries).

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December 10, 2021

5.0

Caring

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November 22, 2021

5.0

Dr. Kern demonstrated a genuine concern for my issue and provided a thorough analysis and recommendations to improve my health.

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November 15, 2021

5.0

The services that I receive from Dr. Kern is excellent.Dr. Kern ensures that I'm properly informed about my health and care.

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November 15, 2021

5.0

Professional Listened to the patientHas knowledge of the problemRecommendations for treatment

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November 12, 2021

4.0

He seems knowledgable and experienced. Good communicator. Good 'bedside' manner.

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November 10, 2021

5.0

Doctor explained the symptoms I should look out for

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November 10, 2021

5.0

No nonsense professional

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Disclosures

Industry Relationships

Ownership or Investment Interests

Faculty member had an ownership or investment interest in the following companies

  • Lyra Therapeutics, Inc.

Consulting / Related Activities

Faculty member engaged in activities such as speaking, advising, consulting, or providing educational programs for the following companies or other entities

  • GlaxoSmithKline (GSK)
  • Guidepoint Global, LLC
  • HSC Acquisition, LLC
  • ISMIE Mutual Insurance Company
  • Lyra Therapeutics (frmly 480 Biomedical Inc.)
  • Lyra Therapeutics, Inc.
  • Medtronic, Inc.
  • University of California, San Francisco

Service on Board of Directors

Faculty member served in a fiduciary capacity, such as a board member/director, officer, or trustee, for the following companies or other entities

  • Lyra Therapeutics, Inc.

External Professional Relationships

Pharmaceutical, device, and biotechnology companies frequently collaborate with basic scientists and physicians within an academic medical center to help advance science and improve patient care. These relationships are important in achieving scientific breakthroughs and in establishing the effectiveness and safety of promising new therapies. In order to assure objectivity in clinical research and patient care, the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine (Feinberg), Northwestern Memorial HealthCare, Children's Hospital of Chicago Medical Center, and the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab have adopted integrity policies that require research and clinical faculty (in full-time, part-time, and unpaid/voluntary categories) to report compensated and uncompensated external industry relationships. Patients are encouraged to discuss these disclosures with their physician as well as to inquire as to how these relationships are overseen by Feinberg. To learn more about our Disclosure and Professional Integrity Policy, and the conflict of interest policies of our joint affiliate survey partners, please go to our Office for Regulatory Affairs Policies page.